TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

Prayer for a Winter Day

How beautiful is our world, O Lord, and how marvelous are your ways in it.

You draw splendor out of the barrenness of winter.

You create magnificence amid the starkness and desolation of cold rains and morning fogs.

You make hearts to sing long after the angel hosts have gone and left the skies empty and silent.

You place dabs of riotous color amid the drabness of desert places. You come into my plain life and make it shine – when I let you.

My problem lies here so often-in the letting...

[for complete prayer, click here.]

-from A Book of Common Prayer

by Kenneth G. Phifer

The Gospel of Matthew

In telling the story of Jesus, Matthew challenges his disciples to live each day as participants in God's kingdom--to be poor in spirit and pure in heart, turn the other cheek and love one's enemies.

January 7 - March 24 | Phifer Library & Zoom

Class recording: January 14

The Seculosity of Marriage and Parenting

Statistics show that fewer and fewer Americans are attending church, but author David Zahl argues that we are in fact more religious than ever. Using his funny and insightful book, Seculosity, we will dig deeper into three of the areas that can consume us as adults - Busyness, Relationships, and Parenting – and learn what to do about it.

January 7 - March 24 | 2nd floor conference room

This Sunday's topic: "Busyness Part 1" led by Emma Pegues

The Gospel According to Ted Lasso:

This five-week class will use the TV show "Ted Lasso" as a way to explore the gospel, how we’re called to live in community, and reflect on our relationship with God and others. You do not need to have watched the show to attend class.

January 7 - February 4 | Land Building Riverside Room

Class recording: January 14

Classes for all ages meet at 9:30 a.m. See our Sunday School page for details.

Church Giving Benefits

Gifts to the church of all sizes serve to bolster our worship, spiritual formation, outreach and more. Donations can be made in a variety of ways and to a variety of ministries. We invite you to explore our giving page and find an option that works best for you - from single payments to annual pledges to estate giving and more.

Some church members in the financial field have suggested that at the current Standard Deduction, members over the age of 70 may consider contributing directly from their IRA’s. At present, in many cases, these donations can be made without incurring taxes. To discuss further, please contact your accountant or financial advisor.

Youth News

INTERFAITH PROGRAM AT TOURO SYNAGOGUE: This Friday from 6-8:30 p.m., we are highly encouraging our 6th-12th graders to attend our interfaith program at Touro Synagogue. In line with our monthly theme of “Loving our Neighbors of Different Beliefs,” we will join together for a Jewish Shabbat worship service at 6, with dinner to follow with other uptown Jewish teens, including Touro’s own youth group. Parents are invited to join in on this experience, but youth can certainly be dropped off on their own. The address is 4238 St. Charles Avenue. Let me know if not having a ride would prevent anyone from attending. As a courtesy to Touro providing dinner, please let us know if you are planning on coming today. We thank you in advance for your attention.

CONFIRMATION: This Sunday, January 21, we will welcome 12 confirmands into the membership of the church as they confirm their baptismal vows at the 10:30 service.

Please note that we will not have youth group this Sunday night.

New Arrival!

Congratulations are extended to parents Katie and Alex Porter, big brother Otto, and grandparents Jennifer and John Steck on the birth of John Crawford Steck Porter who was born on January 8.