Pentecost this Sunday

Wear Red!

Happy Thursday, Church!

I hope this week is meeting your expectations and beyond. I want to thank everyone who participated in worship last weekend. There was something so beautiful in the air as we worshiped—I am grateful and God is pleased. It is amazing when all the pieces not only come together, but they also fit perfectly together. I hope that the message was clear; that you are aware of the times when your head is in the clouds, those times when you need to bring yourself into the present. As we practice this kind of awareness, we are actually aligning our heart to the Heart of God … The heart of the present God.

Unfortunately, the present heart of God is sad. On Monday, our Muslim siblings experienced a new kind of terror in their midst. My heart was breaking listening to children explain what they experienced. There is a great deal of gratitude for Amin Abdullah, a security guard and spokesperson for the Islamic Center. Abdullah, a father of 8, put his body in the line of fire and was killed. His unselfish actions saved countless lives. May the God of ALL PEOPLE comfort our Muslim siblings, especially those affected by Monday’s rage of terror.

Sunday morning, we will celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost is one of my favorite celebrations in the church year. We acknowledge and celebrate the Holy Spirit’s arrival for all people. I hope that you and your families will be in worship, in-person or online, and that you experience a new filling of this amazing presence. Until Sunday, look through your closet and find something red to wear!

One final little note. Each week, I watch our worship stream to evaluate the day. With that in mind, I would love it if we, as a congregation, could move a bit closer to the front of the sanctuary. Of course, I love it when you are close to me as I preach, but as I watched this week, I realized that when we don’t’ have any folks near the front, our sanctuary looks empty on the video feed. Oh, we are there, but our absence from the stream hinders the experience of our online congregation. They need to know they are part of something. Right now … it is a barren land … except for Betty and Elma, who are always in the second row. Please give this some thought. It will make our online experience as joyful as our in-person worship hour. So … until Sunday … know that I love being your pastor. See you down front for a wonderful Pentecost.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Preparations

Pastor Greg encouraged us two Sundays ago to prepare for Pentecost much like we often prepare for Easter with Lent and prepare for Christmas with Advent. This last Sunday we talked about what it means to go and to think of Jesus having ascended all around us. It was not lost on me that these are two concepts closely related to Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It has been getting me excited for Pentecost this Sunday and to welcome the presence of God ascending within us as individuals and as a community into something beautiful.

I’ve also been preparing for facilitating our sermon time and worship over the summer during pastor Greg’s Sabbatical. I am excited about the ideas I’ve been exploring and studying up on and think we have a great summer journey ahead of us. I look forward to sharing more with you soon.

Pastor Brandon

Greetings from Outreach

First a HUGE thank you for all the amazing gifts you provided for the April Basket of Hope, benefitting Alabaster Jar Project. Your generosity was overwhelming. You bring Hope to the survivors who are guests at the Grace House! Thank you, thank you!

For May, our generous Basket of Hope will benefit Abraxas High Schools’s food pantry. Many students rely on this pantry for nutritious meals. We want to help fill the pantry with items that the students can take home before their three-week summer break.

Abraxas High School is a continuation high school that serves students who need an educational environment that is smaller and more flexible than a traditional high school. In addition, they offer an Adult Transition Program designed to enhance and promote greater independence of practical life skills for young adults with developmental disabilities.

Groceries needed:

Shelf stable milk

Boxed cereal

Pasta, rice, dried beans

Jarred pasta sauce

Canned chicken, tuna, low sodium Spam

Canned soup, chili, vegetables

Instant potatoes

Gift cards in $25 denominations for

Stater Brothers, Walmart or Albertsons/Vons

Gift cards for fast food including Subway, Chipotle, Habit, In and Out or Pizza

Books & More

Author Lynda Rutledge tells a story that is part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffes explores what it means to be changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, and a story told before it’s too late.



Everyone is welcome to join this wonderful group of ladies every Tuesday in the Fireside Room at 10 a.m.

Hey all, 

After many wonderful years of writing the Buzz newsletter, I have decided to step down as I’m moving out of state next week! 

Thank you all for your support and helpful suggestions over the years. It has truly been a joy to be part of this ministry. I know dez will do a wonderful job continuing the Buzz, and I look forward to reading future editions! 


Blessings,

Julie 

Thanks for reading, y'all.

Need to reach me? Send an email to dez@ccpucc.org.

Until next time,

dez

pronouns: they/them