Dear Church Community,
I love this cartoon! Dolly Parton, may she rest in peace and power, lived a life of joy, purpose, service, and kindness. She’s part of a generation of women (there are many in our congregation) who remember what it was like “before.” Dolly worked hard to change things. And she spoke out about the danger of going backwards.
My friend, Sharon Astyk, wrote this tribute:
If you have a chance to re-watch Nine to Five, you should. It is the single most socialist, feminist film about work in America I can think of. The business model created by the characters (played by Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin) has free daycare, shared shifts, flexible hours, raised pay and dispenses with sexually harassing men. It should be required viewing.
9 to 5, yeah, they got you where they want you
There’s a better life and you think about it, don’t you?
It’s a rich man’s game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life puttin’ money in his wallet
9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by, it’s all takin’ and no givin’
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it
There’s a lot of Jesus in these lyrics, and there was a lot of Jesus in Dolly. She was no one’s fool, she cared about the outsider, she did something about her concerns, and she lived her life to the fullest. One big difference is that Jesus only got 33 years. Dolly got 80 (though it wasn’t nearly enough).
May we all aspire to live such a life.
No Hate. No Fear. Immigrants Are Welcome Here.
I think Dolly would have loved our ICE Out Protest last Sunday. After making signs during Coffee Hour, a dozen of us walked up Lowell Street to Wisconsin Ave and rallied for an hour. It was gratifying to hear so many cars honk in support and to see numerous people give us a “thumbs up.” We need to know we aren’t alone.
The Mission & Social Action Committee will be hosting these rallies quarterly, so please watch for the November date. Thanks to Ross Parks for organizing!
Each year we have two regularly scheduled congregational meetings: the annual meeting at the end of January and our midyear meeting in August. Our 2026 midyear meeting will take place this Sunday, August 30, after worship.
The midyear meeting is typically more casual than the annual meeting. We’ll receive short updates from our Trustees and Finance Team, then hear from the different committees of the church: Music, Worship, Communications & Technology, Children & Youth, Adult Programs, Congregation Care, Fellowship, Mission & Social Action, and Building & Grounds. We have such a vibrant community and so many wonderful lay leaders, and this gathering is a great opportunity to learn who does what, get an overview of all that’s going on, and connect with fellow congregation members and friends.
Fall is less than a month away, and many of us look forward to cooler days and the resumption of regular church activities:
Please mark your calendars for the following September events, including our annual Fall Potluck:
Choir Practice Resumes, 9/9—The choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 9, at 7 pm. All are welcome! If you have questions and/or would like to participate, please email our Music Director, Dash Waterbury: moc.liamg@yrubretawhsad.
Sunday School Starts, 9/13—Our PreK-3rd Grade Sunday School class will resume on September 13 with our wonderful Sunday School Coordinator, Marian Cooper. Stay tuned for class dates for the Middle Grades Class and Teen Group.
Welcome Fall Potluck, 9/13—Join us for our annual church luncheon to celebrate the start of this new season. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up after summer, share delicious food, and enjoy time together. Childcare will be provided! Please use this SignUp link to let us know what you can bring.
Fall Equinox Retreat, 9/19—Join Pastor Ellen from 1-5 pm in the church parlor for an afternoon of rest and renewal. If you’ve never participated in one of our quarterly retreats, don’t hesitate to email gro.hcruhccpc@rotsap with questions. We engage in a variety of spiritual practices (meditation, journaling, etc.), share experiences, and connect as a community. Friends and neighbors are welcome!
Please see the Announcements for other upcoming events.
In closing, I offer this short and powerful poem by Karim Wafa-Al Hussaini.
My grandmother
still sets
an extra place
on the dinner table
“for peace”
she whispers
as if
it might finally
come home
With prayers for peace and justice,
Pastor Ellen