There is nothing more important I could share with you this week than the recent letter from Pope Francis to the American Bishops. A Friend guided me to it two weeks ago and it is the most poignant piece of writing I have read thus far this year. Here is the first paragraph of the one-page letter: “The journey from slavery to freedom that the People of Israel traveled, as narrated in the Book of Exodus, invites us to look at the reality of our time, so clearly marked by the phenomenon of migration, as a decisive moment in history to reaffirm not only our faith in a God who is always close, incarnate, migrant and refugee, but also the infinite and transcendent dignity of every human person.” LETTER FROM POPE FRANCIS
I invite you to join with the millions all over the world in appreciating the life and ministry of the most delightfully atypical Pope of our age.
Some sights and sounds of spring for you today, Friend:
First, the sound of the spring peepers can be heard HERE And a spring stream (complete with bubbles) and the first leaves of the moose maple in the foreground.
“Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you.” -Job 12: 7-8
Brittney Redler, who has graced our sanctuary with her incredible singing voice, is joining together with Esther Rhoades to offer a Sunday afternoon concert this Sunday, April 27th, in Sharon at the studio of Mary Beck. It is a gorgeous space and these two women will amaze, I am sure! Tickets are available to purchase beforehand as seats are limited.
The Chosen viewing resumes Tuesday of next week, April 29th, from 6-7 in the church hall of the Brick Church in Harrisville. We will be watching the most current season, season 4, on subsequent Tuesday evenings. You do not have to have seen the other seasons to enjoy this one. We watch the episode and then have a brief discussion, promptly ending at 7:30. Bring your dinner or a snack if you wish. Season 4 covers what we have just studied in church so it is timely. Here is the TRAILER
Many have helped and many will be helping with the sale this weekend. Thank you all. It takes a massive effort and yet I know of no other single event that exemplifies our mission of service as a church community (church suppers would be the other example). I am so proud of our community (church and town) that comes together to provide gently used items back into the flow of usefulness. BRAVO!!!
Dublin Church Council meets Sunday, the 27th, after the morning service
Bells Across America, next Sunday, May 4th, we will join with other churches across our great nation in observing the contribution of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Service will be a theme during morning worship and then we will gather on the steps of the church for reading of the names and ringing of the bell. More info will follow.
Please join me in prayer.
God of all seasons, I am especially grateful in this moment for spring. The warmth of the sun is a warmth like no other and the brightness of the light is a reminder that the wisdom and love that Christ represents shines on. I affirm my intention to notice, to slow down, to pay attention to the changing landscape around me in the coming days and weeks as this world transforms with new life bursting forth. Grant me insights, I pray. Grant me inspiration to see anew. Fill my heart with your urgency for justice, truth and mercy. Use my voice to speak that all may be uplifted in love, with compassion. This I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” -Numbers 6: 24-26
