NOTES FROM WEST MOUNTAIN The Rev. Mark Diters
Pentecost 2021
In my mind’s eye, at the head of a table filled with seated suits, I imagine a corporate head strumming his fingers together over his chest, imposing, uncompromising, foreboding. And he utters this common gathering phrase… “I guess you’re all wondering why I called you together for this meeting.” Often as not, such a phrase is met with fear and fleeting eye contact or vacant stares and people looking at their feet. (Don’t ask me…) Each seated suit is asking his or herself the same question. Why are we here? What is he going to tell us?
And then the devious corporate head laughs at his little joke and says, “Because we’re having a birthday party!”
May 23, 2021 is the day of Pentecost in the Christian calendar. It is the day recognized as the birth day of our faith. The Holy Spirit makes its entrance as Jerusalem is filled with pilgrims there for the Jewish festival marking fifty days since the Passover. And caught unaware by the Spirit, “Zing Zang Zoom!” the disciples are enlivened with bold and vibrant courage, and fiery tongues!
Ah, to be young again…
We have not met together very often these last 15 months. And when we have it has been outside, marking our distances with spray paint and hoping the weather will hold. But on May 23, we will worship our Sunday worship, in the place we hold dear, our sanctuary. This will be the first time of many no doubt.
SO! Come one and come all, bring folks you love and care about. And yes, we will be distanced, and yes, we will open all the windows and doors, and yes, we will wear masks and refrain from physical contact…but we will be here. And we will be here to worship. Amen and amen.
YOGA ON THE LAWN RESUMING
A yoga instructor will be offering free yoga instruction on the church lawn starting Saturday, May 8 from 9-10 a.m. Participants should bring a mat or towel, water, and wear comfortable clothing. (If it is raining, yoga will be held indoors, with masks, following social distancing guidelines.)
MAY SECOND MILE OFFERING – WESTMOOR PARK
The Board of Christian Service has chosen Westmoor Park for the May 2021 Second Mile Offering. It has often been discussed at meetings that Westmoor Park is a great neighbor of the church. It is both a beautiful pastoral setting and an educational center for all ages. Ideas of how to show our neighborly good will have been heard every now and then. Aside from the Blessing of the Animals, we have not focused on how blessed we are to have Westmoor Park right outside of our front doors.
Westmoor Park has a wish list. The park is starting renovations on the large barn that was built in the 1800’s. They have a wish for supporting funds to help with the repairs. The Board of Christian Service is asking the members and friends of the Flagg Road United Church of Christ to consider donating to our beautiful neighbor. Let’s help this 21st century barn raising!
THE FLAGG ROAD EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES EXHIBITION
The Flagg Road Events and Experiences Team is sponsoring The Art and Quarantine Creations Show available for viewing in the church lounge from May 10 – May 23. Specific times for viewing are listed below – but may be subject to change. The show will contain traditional visual arts as well as poetry, crafts, and more. Covid protocols will be observed. If you have any questions, email or call Jannie Des Rosiers-Berman at jdberm@comcast.net or 860 214-0829.
May 10 10:00 – Noon
May 11 2:00 – 4:00
May 12 10: 00 – Noon
May 13 2:00 – 4:00
May 14 10:00 – Noon
May 15 2:00 – 4:00
May 16 closed
May 17 2:00 – 4:00
May 18 10:00 – Noon
May 19 2:00 – 4:00
May 20 10:00 – Noon
May 21 2:00 – 4:00
May 22 closed
May 23 11:00 -1:00
