During the pandemic we have become acutely aware of how much our physical presence means to one another in our community of faith. We certainly miss being together in-person but we do not regret taking action to stem the tide of virus transmission and to ease the heavy burden for our healthcare workers and first responders. Thank you for doing your part as a caring and responsible neighbor and disciple.

When this is finally over we will never take for granted the opportunity to gather together for worship, learning, fellowship and service. In the meantime, we will continue to do our best to stay connected virtually and with cards, notes, texts, phone calls and socially-distanced outdoor gatherings as the weather allows.

As the Advent season is underway and the holy days of Christmas will soon be here, we have a special challenge to attend to health and well-being while honoring the traditions that make this season so special and meaningful. Please know the worship team and Worship and Arts Ministry Team are working to include in virtual worship rituals like candle lighting, carol singing, the reading of Advent and Christmas scriptures, and inspiring instrumental music. Worship remains the indispensable connecting point to the living Spirit of God that empowers us to not only remember but to live the gifts Christ brings at Christmas: hope, love, joy and peace. Please participate in these worship offerings available here on the Friedens website under Worship Services, (https://www.friedensucc.org/worship-services) and share them with your family and friends.

May a commitment to worship inspire service to our community. One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas is to lend a helping hand. Please be watching for the announcements about the Christmas Giving Tree, the Christmas Fund special offering, and ongoing hunger relief through Weekenders. Please also continue the daily kindnesses of being good neighbors. For instance, sharing and receiving Christmas cards will likely take on special meaning this year. Please consider adding to your Christmas card list the homebound members of our church family. Beautiful cards and thoughtful greetings to those who feel most isolated can bring a warm reminder that no one is ever truly alone. Christ is with us and his love binds us together. Christmas cards are a tangible symbol of this truth.

Our homebound friends and neighbors are listed in the link in weekly “Keeping Us Connected” newsletter. If you cannot find your copy reach out with the contact form at https://www.friedensucc.org/contact-us to have another copy sent to you. Thank you for remembering them with a card and a greeting. You will bring a smile and warm a heart…theirs and yours!

God bless,

~Marc