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Dear Friends,
Last Sunday’s discussion on peace (view the recording here) turned into a rich and dynamic conversation. Together, we explored everything from the Sermon on the Mount to the cross, the temple, and practical steps we can take in our own lives to cultivate peace. Thank you all for your thoughtful insights, questions, and the spirit of appreciation that defines our community—it truly is the "secret sauce" that makes our worship so meaningful.
This Sunday, we are fortunate to welcome Dr. Dexter Floyd (bio below) as our guest speaker. Dr. Floyd, a lifelong educator and minister, will guide us in reflecting on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—not just Israel, but Jacob. It’s easy to realize Covenant (Abraham). It’s easy to understand Promise (Isaac). But what about Jacob? Yes, God loves him too. Dr. Floyd's unique perspective, rooted in his dual calling to education and ministry, promises to be a profound exploration of this theme.
Christmas Eve Service – Tuesday, December 24, from 5-6 p.m. ET
Mark your calendars for a special Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service. We are also looking for readers to participate! If you’d like to volunteer, please email me at revtafel@holycitydc.org.
Year-End Matching Gift Opportunity
Our anonymous Christmas donor has returned to match every contribution dollar-for-dollar. Last year, $6,000 in gifts were doubled through this initiative. You can participate by using our online giving link, or save fees by emailing me for a P.O. mailing address. Let’s double the impact of your generosity during these final weeks of 2024!
Scam Warning
Please stay vigilant this holiday season. Remember, I will never ask for funds unexpectedly or request gift cards. Scammers often target people with misspelled words, fake email addresses, or social media requests. Be cautious and secure your accounts. As Jesus said, "Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves."
Here is a good resource from Capital One on how to protect yourself from scams.
Building Search Update
While we’re actively searching for a new location, the right space hasn’t emerged yet. Please keep this process in your prayers as we trust in God’s timing and guidance.
Thank you all for the many ways you contribute to this church. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday and celebrating this sacred season together.
With gratitude and blessings,
Rev. Rich
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Meet our Guest Speaker | Dr. Dexter Floyd | |
Dr. Dexter Floyd resides in Tyler, Texas, and has dedicated the past 23 years to his work as an educator, including 15 years as a National Staff Developer for AVID. In this role, he has specialized in Leadership for Middle and High School Level Administrators, AVID for Higher Education (AHE), and Culturally Relevant Teaching (CRT).
Dr. Floyd earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Jarvis Christian University in 2000, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a Doctorate of Education from Baylor University.
A dedicated educator and administrator, Dr. Floyd has also served for the last 13 years as the pastor of Designed For Worship Church of God in Christ in Tyler, Texas. He began preaching in 2003 and has since seamlessly integrated his passion for education and ministry.
In 2015, officials at Alvin V. Anderson RISE Academy High School in the Tyler Independent School District selected Dr. Floyd as their principal. RISE Academy is a dropout prevention, credit recovery, and early graduation high school aimed at improving the academic, occupational, and personal skills of potential high school dropouts, enabling them to stay in school and graduate prepared for employment or post-secondary education.
Since 2006, Dr. Floyd has also worked nationally with schools and post-secondary institutions, guiding them through change processes to narrow achievement and opportunity gaps and improve academic outcomes for all students, particularly those of color and from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Dr. Floyd’s life exemplifies his commitment to both education and ministry, with the two becoming indistinguishable as he continues to inspire and lead.
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Readings for the Coming Sunday | |
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Old Testament Reading
Genesis 32:24-28 – New International Version (NIV)
24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.
25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.
26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”
But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
27 The man asked him, “What is your name?”
“Jacob,” he answered.
28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – New International Version
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Swedenborg Insights
Secrets of Heaven 4274
"Jacob represents our lower, natural self, the part of us that is closely tied to the material world. Wrestling with the angel symbolizes the struggles we all face as we seek to align this lower self with higher, spiritual truths. This struggle is essential to our spiritual growth, as it leads us to deeper humility and trust in the Lord, and ultimately, to transformation."
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A Reading Recommendation from Rev. Tafel | |
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News: Most Congregations Avoid Discussing Politics, New Study Shows
By Fiona André | December 9, 2024
A new study from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research highlights that while individual members and leaders of congregations may be politically active, most congregations avoid addressing politics during gatherings. According to the report, Politics in the Pews? Analyzing Congregational Political Engagement, nearly half of congregations steer clear of political discussions to maintain unity, especially in politically diverse communities.
The study found that only 40% of congregations participated in overtly political activities, such as distributing voter guides or inviting candidates to speak, and such involvement was infrequent. Politically diverse congregations, or those with a history of political conflict, were particularly cautious in addressing political topics.
Interestingly, the report noted that Black churches, reflecting their historical role in the fight for racial justice, are more likely to engage in political activism compared to other congregations.
For a deeper dive into the findings, read the full article on Religion News Service site below.
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