Feb 29, 2020
Hi folks:
It's a beautiful sunny morning on this last day of February. We get an extra day this year, but that's okay, February is still the shortest month, and I believe the shortest month should always be in winter. Happy birthday to all you leap year babies. Make it special.
On Monday evening, we had our latest Faith Formation Session. We talked about how we are faithful to the gospel in a culture that is increasingly living their faith outside of the Christian tradition. We talked about telling our own faith story without judging the faith journey of another. We also talked about how we should be open to learning and growing in our faith from people whom we may not see in our sanctuaries, but lead faithful lives for all of us to see. Our last session is this Monday March 2 at 7 pm. The session is called "Our Place In God's Mission." Please Read Acts 28 in preparation.
On Tuesday evening we had our Pancake Supper. It was a great fellowship event. We had pancakes, sausages, homemade beans, vegetables and dessert, and it was all good. We believe we served around 100 people this evening, and quite a few were looking for Gluten Free Pancakes, which is good to see. A special thank you to everyone who helped out at the event and to the Fun and Fellowship group for organizing and setting up.
Later that evening, with full bellies, we had our Council meeting. We talked about the results of the same gender marriage survey. Even though a majority of you indicated that an educational session on same gender marriage was not necessary, enough of you asked for it, that the Council believes it should plan one. On Sunday March 29th, Lorrie Lowes, a candidate for Diaconal Ministry, and myself will be leading a worship/educational service on same gender marriages, followed by a an interactive time of listening and open communication in the church hall afterwards. There will be no decision made on this Sunday. This is just an opportunity to learn more and to talk with one another in a safe, open forum.
Some of you mentioned if the congregation would be voting on this matter. The congregation will be polled as to their opinion by means of a voting ballot sometime after March 29th, instead of holding a congregational meeting. Marriage is an act of worship, so if we call an actual meeting, then adherents will not be allowed to vote. In order to give everyone a vote, a congregational poll is better. The Council will have no problem following the will of the poll when it makes it decision.
We also talked about our outreach mission with seniors through our partnership with ROSSS. Five women from our congregation went to the workshop on signs of a heart attack in women hosted by ROSSS on Feb. 20. By all accounts, the workshop was very informative. We often make the mistake that the signs of a heart attack for both genders are the same. This is simply not the case, and it’s important for both genders to know the differences.
We also received a request for funding support from ROSSS. They are looking for financial support for their meals on wheels program, and their transportation of seniors to appointments and to events of social interaction for isolated seniors. Council is considering the request. We have some funding from a bequest that is specially meant to go towards helping seniors in the community, and we may be using this to support ROSSS' request.
This is what is happening at South Gloucester this week.
Mon. March 2 - Fun and Fellowship at 4:30 pm.
Mon. March 2 - Faith Formation Session at 7 pm.
Tues. March 3 - Bridge Club at 2 pm.
Thurs. March 5 - Choir Practice at 7 pm
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent. We will be focusing on Matt. 4:1-11, the temptation of Jesus. We will be looking at why it is important for Jesus to undergo temptation, and how we are tempted in our own day and age. I hope to see many of you there.
That's it for me folks.
Take care and God bless.
Ed