One of the blessings of Zoom worship is that folks can and do join us from just about anywhere. While they were still living in Granby, Charlie and Nancy Henry took part in our services. Our friends Darby Gilmore and TR Heydman joined us regularly when they were summering in Oklahoma. Joanne Withee, a friend of Joan Dilts, takes part after the fact by way of the recorded services Joan passes along to her.
Recently Joan shared a poem that Joanne wrote after viewing our January 10th service. With Joanne’s permission, I share it now. Not only does the poem point us to our ongoing work of love, it stands as a reminder that our small church has a BIG message to share with the world. Let us never forget that as a congregation we do not exist for ourselves alone but for all people like Joanne who are hungry for the good news we have been given.
With you on the journey,
LOVE WINS I believe that most people are aware
That our lives are not always equally fair.
But after one COVID 19 year, I must declare
There is a powerful message – LOVE WINS!
Last night I had an excellent experience.
Heard a message delivered without pomp or nonsense.
The speaker’s sincerity was obvious in every sentence.
Her powerful message – LOVE WINS!
She encouraged listeners to side with Goodness,
Kindness and Thoughtfulness – to shun rudeness,
Anger, cruelty, spite, greed, hate and crudeness.
She reassured – LOVE WINS!
But let’s be honest—we are all human,
And we are flawed—both man and woman.
Otherwise why mention Seven Sins we must shun--
Before LOVE really WINS!
This preacher often referenced Christ’s baptism,
A cleansing from which he emerged with a vision.
A true foundation of any political or religious “ISM.”
That message is – LOVE WINS!
Expressions of Love come in many different ways,
An affirming nod, a smile or through heartfelt praise,
A card, a meal, a visit to lighten a shut-in’s days.
Showing them – LOVE WINS!
Ask the question “How can I help you?”
Or better yet, just sense what you can do.
Living in today’s reality, hugs are far too few.
Be reassured—LOVE WINS!
Masks cover smiles, but eyes convey our intent.
A loving, caring message can still be sent.
Turn someone’s lonely day into a major Event.
Confirming LOVE WINS!
Getting out of ourselves, opening our bruised hearts,
Just thinking about another’s wellness has many positive parts.
But acknowledging another’s needs is where it starts.
Live the Message—LOVE WINS!
Joanne Withee
January 15, 2021
Denver, CO
Worship With Us This Sunday
Community Spirit UCC gathers each Sunday morning for an online worship service via Zoom. Log in between 10:15 and 10:25 AM. Worship begins at 10:30 AM.
All you need is a phone or a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone AND a weekly email invitation from Pastor Karen with the link to follow. (Reach out to her at revkaren@communityspiritucc.org if you're not receiving these invitations.)
Please check your email inbox on Saturday to make sure you’ve received your worship link for worship the following day. This will give you time to be in touch with Karen if you need help. If you’re running late on Sunday morning and run into trouble, please reach out to a fellow church member who may be able to forward their Zoom link or help you troubleshoot. After 10:15 AM., Karen does not check her email or texts.
News from Your Leadership Team
As part of moving forward, even though we are apart, members of Leadership:
Are attending a variety of webinars over the next couple of months offered through the Rocky Mountain Conference that will provide resources and guidance to ensure this young church develops healthy habits as a faith community.
Have worked on the creation of a Pastoral Relations Committee at CSC. Three wonderful members have volunteered to do some training this spring and serve on this committee. Our thanks to Marcia Coman, Kori Keil, and Pete Loncar. For those unfamiliar, a Pastoral Relations committee is a valuable resource both to the Pastor and the Congregation. It can support the healthy relationship between Pastor and congregants in order to promote healthy, faithful, shared ministry. More to come.
Beginning to plan a series of conversations for between Easter and our birthday celebration in late May that will invite each of us to consider what it means to covenant with each other as members of Community Spirit church.
Don’t forget there are two more “Conversations in Challenging Times” – one tonight and one next Thursday.
As I deal with my own personal challenges surrounding the pandemic, here’s something I shared at the Leadership meeting this week from Keep Moving by Maggie Smith:
“You are the same person you were before this grief,
And yet you have been transformed by it.
Both are true, as impossible as that sounds: you are the same and you are different.
Let yourself be changed, and trust that change is not erasure.”
Keep moving.
Gratefully,
Pat Riddell on behalf of the Leadership Team:
Be the Church, wherever you are
working for the common good of the whole
as faithful followers of Christ
in community with one another and others.
(Community Spirit Church Guidepost)
Conversations in Challenging Times
Your Inreach/Outreach Ministry Team invites you to gather online tonight, February 4th at 7:00 PM to spend up about an hour in conversation about the realities we find ourselves facing, the feelings we have, the hopes we are entertaining, and the questions we are asking as we traverse uncharted terrain. These gatherings are meant to draw us closer to one another, give us a safe space to say or feel things we might not otherwise, and to send each of us off with renewed energy and focus. Tonight's session will be facilitated will be facilitated by Mary Loncar.
Karen has already sent out the link for tonight's gathering. If you didn't receive it, please contact her at revkaren@communityspiritucc.org or text her at 970-275-1725.
Our Prayer Team Stands Ready
Community Spirit affirms the power of prayer and wants to support you in times of need and uncertainty. Please know that when you reach out to our Team, your prayer request is held in sacred confidence.
Also know that when you communicate with the Team, you will not be asked for additional details or updates on whatever has you seeking prayer. If you have a prayer request and are not comfortable elaborating, we understand! All you need to do is say “I need prayer,” or “A friend needs prayer,” and our Team is on it! We know God knows your need, and we’re good with that.
You're receiving this email because we think you’re great (and because you subscribed to hear from us). If our newsletters aren’t sparking joy, we’ll understand if you want to unsubscribe. After all, a tidy inbox frees the mind.
If you are reading a printed copy of this newsletter, you can view it online at communityspiritucc.org/news. You can also sign up there to have it delivered to your inbox each week.
