March 15, 2022
Friends in Faith—
"Kintsugi" is the ancient Japanese art of restoring broken pottery, like the pot in this picture.
But Kintsugi is also a spiritual practice of embracing the imperfections in our lives. It's a beautiful concept and you can learn more about it this coming Sunday, March 20 during the worship service. Our scripture reading, Jeremiah 18:1-11, concerns God the potter. Rev. Janice Kamikawa and I will be co-leading this week's service—the second part of our reflection on brokenness. On Sunday we will be focusing on healing, restoration and wholeness. Our hymns include I've Got Peace Like a River; Spirit of the Living God; There is a Balm in Gilead; Change My Heart, O God; My Life Flows On/How Can I Keep From Singing; and Jude's Benediction. Come and restore your soul with us! Each Sunday, pianist Natalya Amelchenko begins playing gathering music at 10:20 a.m, with the service starting at 10:30 a.m. Folks can also join from home on Facebook. (You can also watch prior services at any time here.)
For each of the remaining Mondays in Lent (3/21, 3/28 and 4/4), all are invited to join in reading and discussing Rowan William's Meeting God in Paul. The Spiritual Formation Commission has purchased 15 copies of this book; they can be picked up in the church office. Each gathering will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 11 a.m. We'll then head to the sanctuary for a brief time of worship. Finally, we'll enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread. Our morning together will probably conclude by around 11:45 a.m. Please join us for this special time of sharing in the Lenten journey together. Click here for more details. Note: Please know that you can also join us for this time of sharing and fellowship even if you choose not to read the book. Those of us who have been attending have found it to be a spirit-filled time together! Join us!
A FEW UPDATES:
Over the past few months, we've been busy on our campus doing repairs, cleaning and reorganizing, and even refreshing and repurposing some of our rooms. A huge thank you to Ron Carlsen, Jim Guida, Mark Strack, Maria Mar and Rowena Frick for helping to complete these many important tasks. We have a couple of tables just outside of the kitchen/Social Hall full of various items that are free to whoever would like them. We have books, t-shirts, office supplies, bags, etc. Please help yourself; the tables will be up for the next several weeks. And stop by Maria's office to see how her work space has been updated!
COVID Updates:
Masks are no longer required in our building, but feel free to continue to use yours if you have concerns. We do recognize that we are vulnerable community due to our age.
Do note that if we hear of someone in our community testing positive for COVID, we will e-mail our members/friends/renters concerning the time frame of when exposure may have occurred on our campus. So if you happened to be in our building during a time frame in question, you can then feel free to take a test if you so desire. We ask that everyone continue to sign in and out when at the church so that we can help keep track of possible exposures.
We strongly recommended that all worship attendees have gotten their booster shot. If you are not feeling well, we also ask that you stay home and worship virtually. See above for the Facebook link!
As a faith community, we have the privilege of being able to journey with one another through a chaotic and beautiful world, full of many highs and lows. We celebrate one another's victories, and we hold one another in prayer during those times of pain, fear, and loss. If you have prayers that you would like to share with our community, please contact me or Office Manager Maria Mar. Also, be sure to indicate if you'd like your prayer to be shared, or if you'd like it to be held in confidentiality.
God hears all of our prayers, and in Christ, we find healing, wholeness, and new beginnings. With each passing day, the Spirit of God is presenting us with new opportunities of love and grace. No matter what comes our way, all roads lead to Jesus—thanks be to God!
We continue to be deeply troubled by Putin's invasion of Ukraine. We are encouraged that folks from around the world, including hundreds of thousands of Russians, are denouncing this invasion and making their voices heard in the streets. Our prayers are with the people of Ukraine and for all of our global leaders that they may find ways to end this conflict soon.
We also pray for other nations immersed in bloodshed. Much instability and violence remains in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Honduras, Haiti, and South Sudan. May all nations be more committed to peace and justice for all.
Blessings to all,
Jesse
