News From West Mountain by The Rev. Mark Diters
“A TIME TO BE…”
Ecclesiastes is known for wondering about the worth of life and the existential quandaries of human existence. But it is also one of the most life-affirming books in our scriptures. In Ecclesiastes, chapter 3 there is a marvelous passage. Chapter 3 begins with the well known, ( thank you to the band “The Byrds”) “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…” But that isn’t the passage I am speaking of.
The writer then lists a broad sweep of universal life events and experiences noting that to “each of them” is designated a time. The catalog serves to help the reader recognize our common challenges and joys as well as be aware of the role that time plays for us. The accumulated list reminds us that whatever the experience, be it burden or blessing, it is a temporary thing, something that will pass. And that time is the means by the way it passes.
Following the list, the writer asks the famous question, “What gain have the workers from their toil?” As reflective as this sentiment might be of our common and current state of affairs, that isn’t the marvelous passage either.
Let’s face it, the year 2020 has been one challenging year. And I have heard from a number of folks that they would welcome a fast forward right past the fall and the holidays and hopefully get a fresh start at midnight December 31st. It might be fair to say that our communities are weary and wrung out. And the fatigue lends to a feeling of endlessness and eternity. But make no mistake “this too shall pass.”
Chapter 3 continues…
“I know that there is nothing better for them (the workers) than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.”
Wait that’s not the passage either…hear it is:
“I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this so that all should stand in awe before him. That which is already has been; that which is to be, already is, and God seeks out what has gone by.”
God is of eternity…we are of the moment. Our moments are sacred and diverse and in them all, God is present, God is with us and God is seeking out what we have been, what we are, and what we will be. Amen, and Amen.
VIRTUAL AND SOCIALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR WORSHIP SERVICE ON THE LAWN PREPARATION
If you plan to attend in person, please be prepared with proper face coverings and your own lawn chair or blanket. On Communion Sundays, we will be offering individual Communion cups and wafers. If you wish to attend virtually, the service will stream on Facebook Live. After the service, a virtual coffee hour will take place via Zoom. For those interested in reading and singing along while attending the virtual service, the bulletin will be attached to the weekly eblast.
VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
Romans and the Man Who Wrote to Them Bible Study will meet via zoom twice on Tuesdays. One session at 10:00 a.m. and the second at 6:00 p.m. We have folks attending at both times. Mark will send a church-wide email zoom invite on Monday so that anyone wishing to attend may be able. Even if you haven’t previously taken part, feel free to join in at any time!
OCTOBER SECOND MILE OFFERING – CONNECTICUT COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS
The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, CCEH, is an assistance program to alleviate homelessness. It was founded in 1984, in Hartford, CT. The CCEH, in partnership with members and communities throughout the state, creates change through leadership, advocacy, and offers emergency assistance through direct service providers to individuals and families in housing crisis so they can avoid homelessness.
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented an additional challenge for CCEH. Congregate housing shelters are no longer a safe haven for the homeless. The State of Connecticut had arranged safe housing in hotels, and other facilities, for individuals and families, but the need for more additional housing will increase as the weather turns colder and the pandemic continues putting a strain on individual and family resources.
CCEH is working on expanding housing options for its clients, including moving individuals and families into their own apartments. Funds are needed for emergency assistance for first month’s rent, security deposits, and other housing needs.
Please consider donating to this vital program advocating to keep people safe during this pandemic. For more information, visit www.cceh.org.
HOLIDAY CARDS FOR OUR MILITARY VETERANS
The Boards of Christian Service and Christian Education would like to invite you all to participate in a “Holiday Cards for Vets Challenge”. Several years ago, Miss Ruth Rankin introduced Flagg Road UCC to the Holiday Cards for Vets project. Last year we distributed over 400 cards to our military veterans at the VA Hospital in Newington in December. The VA was truly appreciative of our efforts.
Due to the pandemic, we are starting this project early. It is a great at-home project for everyone regardless of age. If you have leftover cards from past years please use them or think about creating cards. A brief note in each card would be wonderful. Please do not seal the envelopes. Younger children can color in pictures and all will be sent to the VA. This was wonderful to see last year.
The Board of Christian Service and Board of Christian Education are working on the logistics of coordinating this project, such as having additional cards available to fill out and then collecting cards. We’ll keep everyone updated. Our deadline is the end of November. Let’s honor Miss Ruth’s memory and match or exceed last year’s total. We appreciate your participation.
