Whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.
Here’s the plan for the rest of the summer:
This Sunday, July 7, worship begins at 9am and remains so to the end of the month.
July 7 — Our first Sunday at 9 am. Fourth of July observation.
July 14 — Combined worship service with the Wesleyans down the street. We’ll meet in our sanctuary at 9 am.
July 21 — Joke Sunday.
July 28 — Our last Sunday before the August break. “‘Till We Meet Again!”
To top off a busy week of raising money at the church the Waitsfield United Church and the Warren United Church of Christ, joined us for worship, see photo below, a potluck lunch and a Hunger Walk to raise money for Church World Service’s efforts to end hunger around the world.
About 30 people stayed for lunch and then walked with us at 1pm. Those 30 people raised $2900! I don’t have the data in front of me from past years, but my sense is that this was one of the more successful CROP Walks we’ve had in many years. Thanks to all who walked, and otherwise contributed to the day’s efforts!
We’re Making Matzoh!
When the Israelites fled Egypt after the Passover, they packed their belongings and goods in a hurry. They could not afford the time to let their dough rise, and so they mixed it without leaven. Water, oil, salt and flour were the only ingredients, and it was baked very quickly.
Today we call it matzoh, and as we continue our studies on the Exodus, we will spend this Sunday in the kitchen making this historical cracker! We will be getting all flour-y, so have your kids dress in clothes that are comfortable and can get dirty.
If we don’t burn the matzoh, we’ll try to have samples for everyone to try during coffee!
We will be taking the children downstairs at the beginning of church, so that we will have a full hour with them this week.
See you then!
Around the turn of the 13th century, a wealthy young man named Francis set off to war.
He lived the spirited life of a young soldier, enjoying drink and carousing and fighting, until, so the story goes, a vision drove him onto a pilgrimage to Rome where he served the poor, preached on the streets, lived with them and eventually attracted a strong following. By all accounts he was a peace-filled man, determined to be at one with all of God’s creatures. He was sainted 2 years after he died (1226) for numerous gifts he brought to the world, not the least of which was his sense that all of God’s creatures, not just humans, deserved the gospel preached to them, and should be valued as loved by God.
This next Sunday, May 21, after the tradition claimed to be instituted by St. Francis, we will hold our service outdoors, weather permitting, of course, to have a blessing of the animals. The first blessing of the animals happened like the photo above depicts: One warm afternoon early in his ministry, Francis, in the middle of throes of self-doubt, was praying to God. He caught sight of some birds by along his path and paused to speak to them as equals. He preached to them about God’s glories and all the reasons why both humans and birds should be grateful.
Well, we are grateful for the animals in our lives, and while I will not preach to the animals (I allow that the animals might better preach to us!) I will offer a blessing of gratitude for each of the critters that shows up.
So, at the usual time, come to church with your pets.
Can you spare a few minutes this Sunday following worship? Ned Davis will be staying late to pack away our Christmas decorations for the year. With several hands we’ll be done in less than an hour. Grab a cup of coffee and take time to chat in the fellowship hall. We’ll get underway 15 – 20 minutes after worship ends.