“How would your life be different if... You stopped allowing other people to dilute or poison your day with their words or opinions? Let today be the day... You stand strong in the truth of your beauty and journey through your day without attachment to the validation of others.”
---Steve Maraboli
Dear <<Name>>
Sadly, as a nation we have come to the place where shootings are common place news. Words can’t even begin to express how each one of these hateful acts tears the fabric of our communities. I spoke about having Hope this Sunday. Even when my hope has been dashed I know in my heart that God is with us as Emmanuel … even in these difficult times.
I called Rabbi Jason from Temple Israel on Monday to offer our prayers and extend any help they may need. He said that prayers for those who lost family and friends is a gift we can offer. If there was something more he would let me know.
What can we do? We can show up, we can pray, we can vote, and we can extend our hope and faith without judgement. We can make a difference by offering words of unity and peace to each other. Even if we don’t always agree on how we get to where we need to go we must work toward going in the direction of loving God and loving others. In this way we can extend the hope and the peace of Christ to people who are different and need this all-inclusive love as much as we do.
Martin Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for the quotation: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” Niemöller was a German Lutheran pastor (1892–1984). The above poem is about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis' rise to power and subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
This poem rings true for me especially today as I reflect and remember. It is a sign and a signal for us not to be complacent or think the tables won’t turn on us! The fabric of our community and nation is at stake and we must not sit idle. If we do, we are likely to suffer the same fate as those who did nothing to stop the likes of the Nazis regime. God help us!
Blessings
Rev Terri
For those participating in giving of a Harvest Blessing I want to encourage you to join us as we celebrate our giving on November 28th. We will have a dedicated time and a blessing of the gifts you are giving! Thank You!
Sunday November 4
MCC Anniversary Sermon Series Continues - Faith
Soup Sunday
Birthday Sunday
Wednesday
Feeding the Homeless
Pastoral Appointments
Sanctuary Cleaning
General Cleaning
Worship Band Practice
Team Meeting
November 4
Birthday Sunday
Soup Sunday
November 11
Board Meeting
November 18
Intro to Homosexuality and the Bible
Pastor
November 25
Worship Design Team Meeting
December 2
Pot Luck Lunch at St. Annes and Service of Remembrance
Mission Statement …
Valley Ministries MCC is an inclusive church -- loving God and serving God's diverse people.
• Encouraging everyone in their spiritual journey
• Empowering all to use their spiritual gifts
• Promoting justice and compassion
