February 2021
Returning to hybrid Sunday worship services
In a world of so many changes to gathering with family, friends, and your faith family Jesus has never been more present. Sunday hybrid services will resume, meaning you are welcome to join the service in our church sanctuary and/or continue to worship from the sanctuary spot you have created in your home (or car, or park, or hiking trail!) Your creativity to worship the Lord delights me, more importantly it delights the Lord your God.
· Masks are required for your protection and for the safety of your neighbor
· Seating is in designated pews
· Social distancing while sitting and while sharing with friends
· Air hugs and waving greetings
Gatherings in the sanctuary will have the same restrictions: social distancing, sitting in designated pews, air hugs and handshakes, beautiful heartfelt smiling eyes while wearing masks.
Many thanks to you, Jesus disciples, for following our Lord with new practices. You are far more like the first disciples than you know! Thank you for your strength and witness.
Something old and something new
The old rugged cross, as I call it, but others call it the cross made from the beautiful Christmas tree from years ago, will accent the chancel area. Your Worship and Music committee discussed adding it since our large chancel cross is not seen in our recorded services.
The symbology and theology of utilizing an emblem of our Nativity remembrance, a Christmas tree, for the emblem of Easter: the empty cross is not only inspiring but also brilliant. There should always be a cross in the Nativity manger. To the cross is added ordinary green representing our season of growth as disciples during winter and continued growth after celebrating the Spirit’s descent at Pentecost. The new green cloth has touches of gold to remind you of the Spirit’s continued presence and movement among you. Once Lent begin the cross will remain, but with the symbol of purple drawing us to God’s presence.
Ash Wednesday bonfire
Our Ash Wednesday service will be held on February 17, at 7:00 pm. Wear your warmest clothes because we will gather around a roaring bonfire at the Pavilion, weather permitting. We will have an imposition of ashes.
The season of Lent begins with a reminder of the power of God to move through the smallest, most insignificant thing, like ashes. Ezekiel tells us of a field of dried out old bones, lifeless as can be that by God’s word came to life. It was God’s message long ago and today, that out of the ashes God calls life to rise again and give glory to God.
Bring an old palm branch cross to burn in the fire. I have extra ones if you need to watch your cross turn to ash, as a sign of what God can do with our smallest offerings.
In the light of the bonfire, and touched by cool ashes we will walk a chalk drawn labyrinth in our parking lot.
Lenten Bible study - with Valentia Presbyterian Church
The Grace of Les Miserables. Matt Rawle leads a six-week study of the redeeming imagery in the London and Broadway hit musical Les Miserable based on Victor Hugo’s acclaimed novel. Hugos’ novel is full of grace, justice, poverty, revolution-counter revolution, love, and hope. We will look at the characters Jean Valjean – grace received, Javert – grace rejected, Fantine – grace amongst the poor, Marius and Cosette – the grace of love, and the analogies they offer about the Gospel of grace through difficulties.
You do not need to have read Hugo’s book (I recommend the abridge edition) or have seen the musical, movie, or listened to the music to appreciate this study. The images are easy to share and discuss.
Heather McGarvey - Heart to Heart International
Heather McGarvey, who is ministering with Heart to Heart International in Romania, is home on furlough and coming to preach and share with us for our February 7 Sunday service.
Lenten Children & Youth Fellowship
Let’s journey through Lent together around the bonfire. Children and youth are invited to join Pastor Jane and Faith as we encounter scripture, play games, and fellowship together during this season of Lent. We will begin each session by making dinner for together, followed by Grace, supping together, then moving outside around the bonfire for a Lenten lesson, then s’mores and play. Keep an eye out for more information via email from Faith.
News from Session
This is the season for annual congregational meetings, however Session voted to postpone our annual meeting to receive committee reports from 2020 until people are safe to gather in person for the meeting. At our annual meeting, yet to be scheduled, we will elect a new Nominations Committee. Thank you for your patience but we want everyone to be as safe as possible. Your Session