Dear Friends,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our final celebration at 1611 16th Street. I deeply appreciated the feedback following my sermon, “A Spirituality of Place.” It was my call to action for the future Christian Church—we need new wineskins.

One member shared how inspired he felt for what’s ahead, and I valued the lively discussion that followed. James posed a powerful question, “What makes a place sacred?” and Jamie’s inquiry about the evolving role of clergy in this future church gave me much to reflect on. I hope my responses were insightful. If you missed it, you can watch the sermon and see the questions here. Also check out a selection of photos from last week below.

Special thanks to Dr. Peck for sharing the church’s history, to Elfa for her moving prayers, and also to Ross for the beautiful organ prelude. It was a meaningful farewell.

Last Saturday, we celebrated the wedding of Katy and Jose at the church (we included a few photos of that below as well). The service, as I mentioned in my sermon, was filled with love and kindness. Jimmy Cox, who has coordinated weddings for over thirty years, did a wonderful job, as always.

Candlelight Vigil on November 4th

Although we planned to wrap up the church's business, some final inspections with the city of Washington have delayed that process. However, on the night before the election, November 4th, I’ll be participating in a candlelight vigil hosted by the churches along 16th Street. I invite you to join me out front at 4:30 PM. More detailed information is provided below.

Coming Up This Sunday

This week’s guest speaker is Matthew L. Morris (bio below) who will be speaking to us on how, as leaders working toward sustainable change, it’s essential to know WHO we are and WHOSE we are, and to embrace our unique contributions. 

Next Sunday’s Broadcast from McLean, VA

In the coming weeks, I’ll be broadcasting from various home locations. This Sunday, James Barile will host me at his home in McLean, VA, less than 30 minutes from downtown DC across the Chain Bridge. Let me know if you’d like to join us for the service and stay for dinner afterward. I’d also appreciate volunteers to host future Sundays.

Wishing you peace and blessings,

Rev. Rich

Meet our Guest Speaker | Matthew L. Morris 

Matthew L. Morris, a native of San Antonio, currently serves as Principal at Lakeview Middle School in The Colony, Texas (suburb of Dallas- Lewisville ISD).

Prior to taking this role he worked as Director of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI). Morris has traveled across the country providing professional developer with aims of transforming educators and empowering students. Matthew is a believer in collective work and shared responsibility thus maintains a mission to intentionally serve the communities in which he resides.

Morris is a CASA Denton County Volunteer. As an educator, Morris seeks to support others by providing innovative spaces, based in best practices, that foster sustainable growth. 

He is a 2011 graduate of Columbia University and a 2008 graduate of Huston-Tillotson University. Additionally he dedicated a year to National Community Service as an AmeriCorps Vista working at the University of Texas at San Antonio in their Inclusion and Community Engagement Center (2008-2009). 

Readings for the Coming Sunday

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV):

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Isaiah 64:8 (NIV):

Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Swedenborg Insight

Divine Love and Wisdom (DLW 308)

All things created by the Lord are uses; they are uses in the order, degree, and respect in which they have relation to man, and through man to the Lord, from whom [they are]. Evil uses were not created by the Lord, but originated together with hell… The visible things in the created universe bear witness that nature has produced and does produce nothing, but that the Divine out of itself, and through the spiritual world, has produced and does produce all things.

Join Us for the Election Eve Candlelight Vigil for Democracy, Peace & Hope

On 16th St. & Beyond (Nov. 4th from 5:30-6:30 pm)

On the evening before the national election, please join us in a candlelight standing vigil along 16th Street NW, from the White House to Silver Spring, where houses of worship will shine a light for democracy, peace, and hope. Sixteenth Street, DC’s “corridor of faith,” spans 6.5 miles and includes nearly 50 houses of worship, inviting people from all faith communities to come together.

In a time of social challenges and division, this gathering aims to affirm the love and unity that sustain us as people of faith and goodwill. All ages are welcome!

Our Church’s Participation

Rev. Rich be participating in this candlelight vigil along with others who may want to join. Rich will be outside of our church at 1611 16th Street, starting at 4:30 PM for those who’d like to gather together before the main event.

For more details on how to participate, please visit this link.

Photos from Last Week at CHC

 Save the date for the 2025 Convention of the Swedenborgian Church!

Join us in Portland, Oregon, for the 2025 Swedenborgian Church Annual Convention! Mark your calendars for June 27 - July 1, where we’ll gather at the University Place Hotel and Conference Center at Portland State University. This year’s convention will feature a blend of hotel and university facilities, making it a unique experience.

Stay tuned for more details this winter, and visit swedenborg.org for updates. We look forward to seeing you there!

CHC READ & DISCUSS: Humanly Possible by Sarah Bakewell begins Oct. 28th at 7:00 PM

Join us for CHC's next Read & Discuss series as we delve into Humanly Possible by Sarah Bakewell, an exploration of humanism and its impact through history.

Meetings will begin on October 28 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. If you haven’t yet picked up the book, you can preview a few pages on Google Books. New Zoom link to join is linked below.

For a preview of what’s in store, watch this May 2024 interview with Sarah Bakewell as she shares insights into her work. We look forward to a lively discussion with all!

Thought of the Week

1611 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20009

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