Make a Joyful Noise!
And that’s exactly what we did on Music Sunday, September 30th. The choir rocked the sanctuary with an upbeat rendition of African Sanctus; three choir members, LaTia Barrett, Don Clarke, and Dinora Padrino, and our Music Director, Dorothy Mora, shared reflections on the power of music and its connection with God in their lives; and I spoke briefly on the importance of holding “both the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary, the known and the unknown, in sacred balance.” As always, our Organist, Harold Walbert, inspired the congregation with his virtuosity, and many of us departed the service empowered to include more music in our spiritual lives. John Voll, in particular, suggested that singing a blessing before the evening meal is a wonderful way to make a joyful noise every single day. If you’d like some examples of sung blessings, e-mail me at pastor@cpcchurch.org.
This coming Sunday, October 7th, I’ll lead worship, and Patty Wudel, Director of Joseph’s House, will preach. I urge you to attend this service, for I know that Patty’s words, like her work, always make a difference. Joseph’s House is a hospice home for homeless men and women dying of AIDS and cancer, and our CPC Mission Committee recently decided to add it to the list of organizations receiving our funds. Since Joseph’s House addresses both homelessness and AIDS, it’s a wonderful match for our mission program at CPC (with its focus on poverty and homelessness, AIDS, at-risk youth, elder care, and interfaith outreach).
Happily, Joseph’s House is also a recipient of AIDS Walk funding, and CPC will be participating again this year by sending a team to walk on Saturday, October 27th. If you’re interested in walking, go to www.aidswalkwashington.org and join our team, “Cleveland Park Church.” To donate, go to the same site, type in “Kris Davis” for participant and click on “Cleveland Park Church” for team. Last year we raised over $2000 to help Whitman Walker Health and other organizations, such as Joseph’s House, which serve men and women struggling with AIDS who would not otherwise have access to health care.
I look forward to the following programs and events that are also happening at church this month, and I hope you’ll join me for each one of them!
Blessing of the Animals, 10/14—We’ll hold this fun and festive service on the side lawn at 4:00 pm. Bring pets or photos of pets (and friends!).
Faith and the Foreign Service, 10/21—Join Ed Rowell after worship for a presentation and discussion based on his many decades of service around the world.
Community Fall Festival, 10/27 (Sat)—This congregation-wide event will include an open house, organ and choral concert, chili supper, and Halloween activities for kids. The new organ CD will be “released” and available for a donation. Bring your friends and please sign up in the parlor to bring chili or dessert.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Ellen