Dear Church Community,
I like to remember that Christmas is more than a day, it’s a Season. So, if last week flew by in a flurry (no snow but an excess of activity), this is your chance to experience a more peaceful holiday. December 29th is the fifth day of Christmas, and though internet sources disagree on what “five golden rings” means, it sounds important. Thus, I urge you: carpe golden diem! Claim an hour for yourself and spend some time with Emmanuel, God with us. Be still. And reflect on what the Coming of the Light means in your life, today.
This Sunday, our New Year’s Day Service will focus on journeys. The Nativity Story is full of them: the Journey to Bethlehem, Magi traveling from the East, and the Flight into Egypt. We’ll reflect on these and others as we move from 2022 into the new year. I wonder what path you’ll walk in 2023? Note: coffee will be ready at the beginning of the service!
Speaking of journeys, on Christmas Eve three busloads of refugees from Central and South America were dropped off at Vice President Kamala Harris’s home, likely at the direction of Texas Governor Abbot. Temperatures were frigid, and thankfully The Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network arrived quickly to move both children and adults to a warm church location. If you’d like to help the current influx of refugees to DC, you’re invited to contribute new or lightly used:
- Coats and jackets
- Sweaters and sweatshirts
- Pants
- Hats, mittens, and gloves
- Shirts, socks, underwear, and sturdy shoes
Please clean, bag, and label the items by contents and size (all sizes and genders are needed). Then, drop them off at one of the following locations:
- The Outrage, 1811 14th NW
Hours: Mon-Sat, Noon-7 pm; Sun, Noon-6 pm - John Wesley AME Zion Church, 1615 14th St NW
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-3:00 pm; Enter at glass doors on Corcoran St. (bell is located between the inner and outer doors). Bring donations to JP Marshall Hall.
If you’re available to help sort donations, please sign up here. For additional information on how to support immigrants in the DC area, go here.
Earlier this month, our very own Bruce Grimes received a Benjamin E. Cooper Award from Friendship Place for his many years of volunteer service to this organization, which is the premier provider of housing services for people experiencing homelessness in the DC region. I was honored to accompany him and am delighted our congregation has supported Friendship Place for over two decades. If you’d like more information about this organization and/or how to volunteer, please contact Bruce at hbgindc@gmail.com.
Two members of our congregation need a ride to and from worship each Sunday. They both live on Connecticut Ave, relatively close to the church. If you can drive them one Sunday a month, please contact Dawn at dawnstraitz@gmail.com. This is an easy and enjoyable volunteer task. Please help!
I wish you and yours a safe and happy transition to 2023. With everything going on in the world, I pray that you and all beings everywhere, without exception, will experience peace, plenty, comfort, and compassion in the new year.
Pastor Ellen