Dear Church Community,
The theme for this second week of Advent is Peace. And while we pray for both Peace on Earth and peace in our hearts, I sometimes hear the words of the Prophet Jeremiah, who said, “The people say, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”
This Advent, we’ve faced news of a school shooting, a congressman whose family posed for a Christmas picture with automatic rifles, and continued, deep divisions in our country over vaccines, guns, reproductive rights, refugees, and racial justice. It makes me wonder how we’ll ever find true peace. Peace with justice. Peace with understanding. Peace without violence. Peace with compassion.
I don’t have the answer, but I’m convinced that if Advent is a time for anything, it’s a time to practice what we want for ourselves, our country, and our world. If we want peace, we must live it. If we want justice, we must live it. If we want healing (of the deep divisions amongst us), we must be willing to soften our hearts and listen to those with whom we deeply disagree. This doesn’t mean we condone all actions and beliefs; it does mean we try to see and connect with the God light in every person. It means we speak from and to the spark of divinity within each of us, praying it will fan into flames of love.
Maybe by the time we get to the Fourth Sunday of Advent, with its theme of Love, we’ll have created a bit more in the world.
Music News: Dorothy Mora
It is with deep gratitude for her many years of talented leadership that I announce the retirement of Dorothy Mora as Music Director. Dorothy has coordinated our music program, directed the choir, played flute, piano, and organ, and put together numerous concerts, fundraisers, and fellowship events during her many years in this role. And she’s done it all as a gift to the church, generously donating her time and talent to a staff position for which most churches pay.
Dorothy will step down as Music Director at the end of December, though I’m happy to report she’ll still play flute. Beginning in January, the Music Committee, chaired by Sarah Spaeh, will seek input from the choir, worship team, and congregation about “what’s next” for music at our church. As we move into the new world of hybrid worship, this is an opportunity for us to consider what we want from our music program going forward and to budget accordingly.
We plan to host a celebration of Dorothy’s tenure as Music Director sometime in 2022. Her Mom, Georgie, is currently in hospice care, so we’ll wait until it’s the right time for Dorothy. For now, I hope you’ll reach out and say, THANK YOU!
Can You Help?
Our congregation care team is always working to pair congregation members who have a need with those who have the capacity to assist. Please email me at pastor@cpcchurch.org if you’re able to help with any of the following:
- Christmas Dinner: do you have an extra seat at your table? If so, would you like to host someone who might otherwise be alone this year?
- Rides to church: do you have an empty seat in your vehicle when you drive to church? If so, could you pick up someone in need of a ride on your way (once a month, max)?
- $50/month: do you have an extra fifty dollars a month? If so, would you be willing to pledge it for one year? If twenty people commit, we can pay for Celestine to rent a room or studio apartment.
Tis the Season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Let us live it.
Peace be with you and yours,
Pastor Ellen