Notes from West Mountain The Rev. Mark Diters
Be of good cheer!
Have you heard this one?
“With the 2020 Pandemic, my body has soaked up so much soap and disinfectant that when I pee, I clean the toilet.”
Isaiah proclaimed, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us, authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
“I’ll tell you a Corona Virus joke now. But you will have to wait two weeks to see if you get it.”
For unto us, a child is born…
“A home-schooling mom reports that today she got a call from her son in his room saying that he missed the bus and will not be in school today.”
And they shall call him Emmanuel, God with us…
“The World Health Organization just announced that dogs cannot catch Covid-19. So, it is OK to let the dogs out of quarantine. So, I guess it is safe to say, “WHO let the dogs out!”
Looking back at last year’s Newsletter for December, I quoted a Joni Mitchell song…
“It’s coming on Christmas, they’re cutting down trees, they’re putting up reindeer and singing songs of joy and peace…O I wish I had a river; I could skate away on.”
Such a dark sentiment, and yet, I am confident that there are many of us who feel that way this year. However, let us be aware that we share this moment with one another in ways we have never before experienced. Truly now, be of good cheer! We are on the threshold of relief. Vaccines are being readied, preparations for their distribution are underway. There is light at the end of this tunnel.
So, as the darkness of this season shortens our days, and as darkness is that which is to be overcome… “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
Amen
DECEMBER 2020 SECOND MILE OFFERING-THE UCC CHRISTMAS FUND
The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund is a Special Mission Offering that congregations have been supporting for 119 years. The offering is administered through the United Church of Christ Board for Ministerial Assistance, the charitable arm of the Pensions Boards. Funds provide direct financial support to those who serve the church and are facing financial difficulties. Active and retired clergy, lay employees, and their surviving spouses may be eligible for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants, and/or Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks. The Christmas Fund provides UCC congregations and members an opportunity to reach out in loving compassion, providing assistance to those who have so faithfully served our Church and now find themselves facing unexpected financial needs. Please consider contributing to this vital mission.
HOLIDAY CARDS FOR OUR MILITARY VETERANS
Thanks to all for participating in our Veteran Holiday Card project. Please have all cards completed and returned to the church by December 15th. A collection box for all completed cards has been placed under the outdoor mailbox at the office entrance of the church.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION HOLIDAY GIVING TREE – 2020 VERSION
The Board of Christian Service is once again sponsoring Christmas time Holiday Gifts for children who benefit from community programs offered by Family Life Education in Hartford. The 2020 Version of the Giving Tree will not involve a tree with names. Due to the pandemic, Family Life Education has asked participating faith communities to contribute gift cards for the children. Your BCS has agreed to help provide cards for 30 children. We are planning to be able to give each child a $50 gift card. The Board of Christian Service knows that this holiday project is a favorite of our church members and friends. However, we are not asking nor recommending that anyone go shopping for this project. Any donation to help us reach our goal would be greatly appreciated. Please send any donations to the church office and indicate they are for Family Life Education. Our deadline is the second week in December. Members of the Board of Christian Service will pull this together for the children. Thank you.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
If you would like to purchase a memorial poinsettia to be delivered by The Rev, Mark Diters, please contact the church office. Each poinsettia plant will cost $15.00.
EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES TEAM
Last March, the Events and Experiences team had been working on putting together an Art Show which was to open in April. Due to the pandemic, the show was put on hold. However, many church members are being creative at home and we invite you to document or set aside your creations to share with others when we can again gather in our church space. Have you taken photographs, made an amazing dessert, written a poem, recorded a song, painted a picture, made up a game, or otherwise utilized your creativity during these unusual times? More information will be provided at a later date. Have fun!
