I Epiphany:Local Immigration News at Coffee Hour; Mitten Tree In-Gathering Continues! Rhythms of Grace Worship moves to 4p.m.

January 12, 2019
 
Dear Hearts,
After hearing parishioner Glenn Formica, and First Church member Gini King, talk about their local work with migrating families and individuals, several Outreach group members arranged for them to speak to us this Sunday, January 13 during the Coffee Hour.  The Outreach folks are also providing south-of-the-border refreshments!  Glenn's specialty is immigration law, and Gini's activist "retirement" -- following ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ -- stems from the biblical call to care for the "stranger" in our midst, "for you were aliens in the land of Egypt (Lev. 19:34, one among many citations).  Here's an opportunity to hear from folks we know, about the immigration situation locally and what some folks are doing about it.

Thanks to the ever faithful Marsha Brown, most of the Christmas decorations were put away this week: however, it is not an oversight that the Mitten Tree is still up, and is receiving a new "crop" of men's gloves (mostly).  The first "crop," that totally covered the tree, were "harvested" just before Christmas to the Chapel-on-the-Green in New Haven.  Our Outreach Group has another challenge to put before us: As part of hosting the Chapel-on-the-Green service on January 27, to provide another 100-120 pairs of mittens or gloves for the regular worshipers. 

For the food potion of our hosting duties, we consulted with those who have experience of hosting during winter weather.  After those conversations, the Outreach folks decided to prepare a hearty, hot soup in our kitchen on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 10a.m.; we will borrow large thermal containers from Trinity, New Haven, to keep the soup warm and for serving.  We will also be making sandwiches for "take away;" just not as many. You are invited to sign-up to help on the Saturday and/or Sunday dates via Sign-Up genius here.  This sign-up is pitched for middle and high school students, but all ages are welcome.

Since January 13 is the Second Sunday of the month, Rhythms of Grace will gather this Sunday for our monthly offering of an engaging, hands-on worship experience.  Rhythms of Grace will gather one hour earlier -- at 4p.m. beginning this Sunday.  So, we will gather and go home before the sun sets!  The playfulness of Rhythms of Graces makes this service especially appropriate for families and individuals who may have had busy weekends.  This Sunday, being the First Sunday after the Epiphany, all services, including Rhythms of Grace, will tell the story of Jesus' Baptism. To whom does the heavenly voice say, "You are ... Beloved; with you I am well pleased"?

Thanks so much to everyone who by their helpfulness and participation made our Christmas and Epiphany celebrations so inspiring, and, dare I say, fun!  From bulletin compilers and folders -- about 500 bulletins for Christmas alone, to the parents who got their angels,  shepherds and friendly animals to practices and the Nativity Pageant itself, from the Altar Guild -- laboring behind the scenes, to the terrific clean-up crew for the Epiphany's Roast Beef Dinner, you all made it happen.  I'm not quite ready to let go of all that yet, but I look forward to what's up for us this Sunday, during the rest of the season after the Epiphany, and beyond.
In faith, hope, and love,
Harrison+
YFNR
p.s. after last Sunday's sermon, some of you asked for a link to the Rev. Barbara Crafton's "Almost Daily E-mo."  Here's how to subscribe.  Here's a link to the Wikipedia image of Gentile da Fabriano's "Adoration of the Magi" which she brought to our collective attention.