Greetings, Church Folk!
I was greatly saddened to hear of the brutal attack on British-American author, Salman Rushdie, last week at Chautauqua Institute, a place known for its broad critical thinking. You may remember that Rushdie had written a controversial book, The Satanic Verses, which was perceived as an attack on Islam that sent him into hiding for years. That was 34 years ago. It is being categorized as an attack on freedom of writing. However, the assailant only read two pages of Rushdie’s book. Religious fury and fanaticism, including the Christian right, is real and we see it shaping our lives in many ways: in our politics, in our broken family relations, in attacks on houses of worship, and now in our gathering at Chautauqua, a place of respite and rationality. Our sacred scripture, the Bible, and our savior Jesus say repeatedly that loving God and neighbor is above all other actions in life. Let’s work hard to embody those lofty principles this week. One way to do this is by resisting hatred and prejudice whenever we see it.
Praise God, there are a number of things to celebrate in the life of the church this week.
Billy is back! Billy returns to the pulpit after his refreshing summer hiatus and we give thanks once again for all of the summer speakers, worship assistants and staff who make possible this much-needed time of rest and connection with his family.
Celebration of life for Dr. Roberta Smith will be at church on Friday, August 19 at 12 noon. All are welcome to join as family and friends honor the life of this extraordinary woman.
Youth are back to a regular meeting schedule on Sundays from 5pm-7pm.
Addictions 911 Community Event is on Saturday, August 20, starting promptly at 10 am at the Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center. Come learn how we can best support those living with substance use disorder. Check out the website for details. Can’t make it into the neighborhood? Watch it online. All participants are eligible to win a $50 gift card. In case you missed the nice coverage on WSAV this week, here is a link: Link to Addictions 911 Event News Coverage on WSAV
And lastly, some of you may remember when we were filming our services during the pandemic that I mentioned that John and I had planned an arbor on our property. This winter, John completed the arbor structure, and in the spring I planted two little knee-high kiwi plants to grow up the sides. I thought that you might enjoy seeing how our garden grows in this lush, sub-tropical place.
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I look forward to seeing you twice this weekend, on Saturday at The PARC and at worship!
Love,
Claire
Claire