This Sunday marks the beginning of a beautiful and powerful season of our church year - the Season of Creation. We'll be looking at the call to both appreciate the created world around us as a gift from God - and to live faithfully in times when this world is threatened by climate change and environmental disaster. 

I'm honored to serve as a new member of the UCC Council for Climate Justice, a national group of United Church of Christ members who want to share ideas and vision for how congregations can work more effectively in these challenging times. 

And remember, one exciting celebration during this season comes on October 8th as we observe the "Blessing of the Animals" at our morning worship service!

       

And from our Associate Pastor:

Dear First Congo Family & Friends,

I have gradually reclaimed some of what went away for the summer: stamina, ability to drive while on medication, punctual payment of monthly expenses, daily routines and realities. 

This month we are heading down the stretch for The Answer to: Did the treatments really work? Since I believe it is not healthy or spiritually mature to "worry" our way to an outcome, I started the month by contacting my oldest niece on her September 1st birthday. She answered the phone with, "I know you didn't have this on your mind with everything else going on in your life!" "Why not, I only have now to celebrate your birthday," I responded. 

Then I contacted a few of my contemporaries wishing them Happy Birthday because I missed their exact date or because it's coming at a time I might forget this month. All expressed gratitude to be alive and remembered. I also acknowledged Walter's 82nd birthday on Labor Day by going to see "Detroit." He was a young consultant there during those riots. I knew it was dangerous, but I had no idea how dangerous until now. I was distracted by a two year old, a second pregnancy, and teaching pre-school in Massachusetts.

 

The house became home for two sets of "near family" friends this week. When they leave on the 13,th it will be time for a visit with the radiology oncologist on the 14th.  I will have a CAT Scan on the 22nd with a reading of the results on 27th. Meanwhile, I returned to my office duties this week, and will serve during worship as we begin the Season of Creation. 

I find it very satisfying to use time to live with purpose, joy and shared memories, not worry.

           

A n n o u n c e m e n t s

Join us at 7:00 pm on THIS Friday (tomorrow) night in the Conference Center for a discussion on violence and hatred towards women. A panel of 4 (Dr. Joel Chapman, Rev. Cheryl Cornish, Dr. Roz Nichols and Julia Hicks) will look at how misogynism ("the hatred of women") affects us as a community. In the last year, we've seen an increase in the number of violent actions towards women. What is the cost of this to our sense of community life? How do we support health and well-being for all women? Join us for an informative discussion.

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Look what's
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Our free Community Lunches are served at Cafe Congo on weekdays at 11:00 am till 1:00 pm.

 

The Food Pantry  is open on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 11am till 1pm.

 

The Clothes Closet is open Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am-1pm.  

NOTE from Steph Rollen, Minister of Food Justice:  

I would love to hear from anyone interested in cooking, serving, digging in the garden, or just general helping out around The Hub.  You can contact me at 901-493-4699 or [email protected].

Thanks to Steph's friends, Laura & Jan, who helped move 

 3 yards of compost - given by Memphis City Beautiful - 

 into our garden beds!