Yet again, it has been a troubling week on the news. COVID cases are rising, lockdown has closed schools again, and the US election process has turned violent. 

Last Sunday, Jared reminded us that amid the constant flow of the world's bad news, there remains God's song of good news. When we gather this week, that is the song we will song again, to remind ourselves of who we are and whose we are. 

We will reflect together on Jesus' baptism and our own, which promises us that God loves us, forgives us, and renews us to love and serve.  Our baptism does not liberate us from the harsh realities of the world, but it reminds us that nothing in this world can ever separate us from God's love and grace. We need that reminder, always.

I want to make a special invitation, as we have made some changes to our schedule in the new year. After our first attempts at Zoom worship on All Saints Day and Christmas Sunday, several people expressed a desire for a more gathered experience in the future, instead of simply watching YouTube independently. 

With that in mind, we will be replacing the midweek Pause for Prayer videos with a new Sunday evening Zoom worship service this week at 18:30. We will continue this monthly or bi-weekly, depending on the level of interest. We will remember our baptism and celebrate a distanced communion--so set yourself some water for baptism, and some juice or wine and bread or crackers for communion, and join us.

Regular YouTube services will continue to preview at 11:00 on Sunday mornings. As long as we are in lockdown, all activities remain online only.

As the news of the world continues to unfold this week, keep in your heart the good news of God: you are beloved, forgiven, renewed.

Faithfully,
Pastor Jennifer