NOTES FROM WEST MOUNTAIN – The Rev. Mark E. Diters
Something to be sure about…Easter is not cancelled! Nor is it postponed, re-scheduled, ‘to be announced’, forgotten, omitted, or simply not happening!
The promise of life beyond life, God’s power to overcome death and despair, the hope of a fresh moment when “all things are made new” is ever with us. God’s eternal and steadfast presence is with us in the life, and death, and resurrection of the Christ. And this Christ is made known to us in countless ways, no different now than before we were told to stay apart, shelter in place, and quarantine.
Yesterday’s Sunday New York Times published a special section of full or half page photographs of internationally well-known public places. It was called The Great Empty. The first one caught my eye. It was of the “Place de la Concorde” in Paris, with the “Museum of the Army of Invalides” in the background, where the tomb of Napoleon and other French war heroes are laid to rest. This one caught my eye because just last summer we wandered that massive plaza in sweltering heat in the midst of countless tourists and wondering why they all the other people had to be there. The picture from March 18th showed the entire square vast and monumental, utterly vacant. No human being anywhere to behold.
The short article by Michael Kimmelman, accompanying the pictures of New York, Seoul, Milan, and many other “great empty” places began like this: “There is a certain beauty in the expanses of public space, now vacant. There is also a reminder: True beauty comes when the builders roam the built”.
His words and pictures reminded me that we are all experiencing a great emptiness, one beyond our comprehension weeks ago. Yet he concluded his words with the thought that these empty places and buildings: “…evoke the romance of ruins. Beauty entails something else. It is something we bestow. It will be the moment we return.”
Easter is not cancelled! We may not be able to observe our usual traditions, many of them more present in memory than current practice. We will not meet all together in the sanctuary and share the joy of God’s abundant promise of life. But the resurrection is ever, always, and truly with us.
Reach out in spirit, embrace with heart, In Christ,
Mark
VIRTUAL HOLY WEEK AT FLAGG ROAD UCC
April 5 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Palm Sunday Worship Service via Facebook Live followed by a virtual coffee hour via Zoom. Palms will be available on the outside of the link door on Saturday.
April 9 Time TBA
Maundy Thursday virtual invitation to share in the Passion Story via Facebook Live. Time will be determined and announced via email in the days to come.
April 12 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Easter Morning Worship Service via Facebook Live followed by a virtual coffee hour via Zoom.
APRIL SECOND MILE OFFERING: HANDS ON HARTFORD COMMUNITY CRISIS FUND
On March 16th, by email, Barbara Shaw, Executive Director, of Hands on Hartford, sent an urgent appeal for additional funding. She wrote, “The COVID-19 global pandemic presents a new and unique threat to our agency, programs, employees, and most worrisome to all of us here, a threat to the vulnerable folks we serve and love. “The programs include the Backpack program for 242 children, community food pantries, and community meals for seniors and the homeless population.
The Flagg Road UCC has a long history of supporting Hands on Hartford programs. The Board of Christian Service has approved the disbursement of $1,000.00 from our Discretionary fund to be sent out as soon as possible. In addition, April’s Second Mile Offering is our appeal to the members and friends of Flagg Road to help with more funding.
Please consider contributing to this vital organization. For more information about Hands on Hartford visit www.handsonhartford.org
A MESSAGE FROM THE FLAGG ROAD UCC OFFICE REGARDING THIS DIGITAL WORLD
The only way we are able to reach out safely and effectively is by phone or the internet. We share a blessing in that many of our members have done some of this before. Yes, we have offered the past two Sunday services on our Facebook Live. And we have invited the congregation to group chats and virtual coffee hours as well as learning how to conduct much of our business via Zoom go to meeting. And yes, from those who have been able to access the worship services and meetings, the response has been uplifting and supporting. But clearly this has not been a perfect transition and there are some of us who have not been included in activities.
If you are having trouble accessing any of these possible means of connection and relationship please contact Mark or Colleen in the office. We can make every effort to enable participation in what is going on.
It has been easier for some to climb the steep learning slope than for others. It has been awkward at times. It has been humorous at times. It has been frustrating as well. But it is our best way of being in relationship available. It is real. It is different, but it is a refreshing connection when made.
PLEDGE REMINDER
If you have not done so already, please mail in your 2020 pledge. Thank you!
