Hello All,

Our calendar for this week (see below for more information):

Tonight–Thursday January 21

7-9 pm in the Fellowship Hall–Third Thursday Theology

Sunday 1/8

9:30–Children’s Choir Rehearsal
10:00–Worship & Children’s Programs
After the service–Youth Fundraiser Brunch at the First Congregational Church of Hartland (Brick Church)
5:00-6:15–Junior Youth Group–FUSH Fellowship Hall
6:30-8:00–Senior Youth Group–FUSH Fellowship Hall

Join us this evening, 7-9 pm in the Fellowship Hall for Third Thursday Theology. The topic this evening is “What is Prayer?” exploring meditation and prayer in our tradition and beyond.

Our worship service this week will be the next in our series on aspects of our liturgy. This Sunday I’ll reflect on “Spirit of Life”, the song, the phrase, and how we use it in our worship.

Be sure to support the youth by joining them for brunch at the Brick Church on Sunday after the service! Youth in 8th grade and up intending to go on the mission trip–be there beginning at 9:00 to help out!

The youth groups will meet at their normal times this Sunday at our church.

In other news, we’ve created two new e-mail lists for our congregation–one for Religious Education families, and one for those willing to help out with worship on occasion. For now, I’ve simply put you into those groups if it seemed appropriate for me to do so and so some of you will get the first messages from these groups soon.

If you would like to receive messages in those groups, and I didn’t happen to put you on the list, just let me know and I’ll add you. Anyone is welcome on either list.

If you end up in one of those groups and you don’t want to be, let me know that as well–or just click “unsubscribe” when you get the message. In either case, messages should be relatively low-volume, and will come only from me, or Jill, or very occasionally rom someone else appropriate to send out information for our congregation.

The worship list anticipates our upcoming seminar “Leading Unitarian Universalist Worship in our Congregation” which will begin one week from tonight, January 26, 7-9 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you’ve ever helped, or even considered helping, lead worship in our church–from simply sharing a reading, to giving a sermon, to planning an entire service, this is your chance to explore the theological and practical aspects of these important ministries in our congregation. Bineke Oort and I will be co-leading this series, and I’m looking forward to it–I think it will be fun and engaging. Contact me with any questions!

And finally today, on a more important topic, as many of you have heard, our beloved member, Helen Dicke has recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Helen is strong in body, spirit, family, and friends, and she is doing well as she makes decisions and begins to undergo treatment. Helen, herself, has said with great grace how she feels, and what we can do to support her and Eric and their family in the coming months:

“How do I feel? I am taking in all the healing vibes that you’all are sending me. Please don’t send me worried vibes. Send your worry in another direction, and concentrate on comforting and healing thoughts. I have managed to sleep pretty well most of the night. I am hearing from many dear relatives and friends, and talking things through is useful. I am feeling very well supported and cared for. My relaxation/anxiety varies throughout the day, and I find my faith, my yoga and my support from you’all to be a great benefit.”

As she goes through her treatment, Helen and her family will be communicating through a “CaringBridge” web site. You can read Helen’s updates by going to: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/helencochrandicke

You’ll have to sign in with an e-mail address, but please do. CaringBridge doesn’t send any unwanted messages, and it’s a good way to keep in touch.

I know that you will join me in sending Helen and Eric and their family our thoughts and prayers for healing and comfort in the coming months.

In faith and love,

Paul