Greetings Church,
It’s another cool, wet, overcast spring day. Does anyone know where the sun has gone? Will it come back to us some day? The flowers in my garden would like to know.
Here’s the news for the week:
Ordaining New Elders This Sunday
It’s taken a while to get organized for it, but this Sunday we will be welcoming Diamante Maya as an official member of the church and then ordaining both her and Arthur Freeheart as Ruling Elders. Arthur and Diamante have been serving as leaders in our congregation for some time now, so it will be wonderful to properly celebrate and welcome them!
Potsdam Pride on June 14th
I’m proud to say that we will, once again, have a booth set up at Potsdam Pride– offering free face painting to kids, teens, and adults alike! A big thanks to Ella, Kemp, and Renee for offering this hospitality on our behalf.
No Kings Rally in Canton, June 14th
For those who are interested, there are protests happening in both Canton and Massena on Flag Day to rally for democracy. Saturday June 14th, from 10am-12pm. Bring a sign if you can.
Rev. Leia Lutz to Preach on June 15th
I will be gone the weekend of June 15th– listening to the premier of Ivette Herryman Rodriguez’ opera in New York City! A big thanks to Rev. Leia for filling the pulpit that Sunday.
The Sound System Works Now!
After weeks of frustration, I am delighted to announce that the sound broadcast online during our worship services is now crisp, clear, and audible. Thanks be to God! And thank you to all of you who have so patiently waited to be able to hear better. ‘Let them who have ears to hear, hear!’
Well Done, Ella!
During Clarkson’s graduation, Ella Weldy was awarded the Frederica Clarkson Award. She was selected for the award by a vote of the full University faculty based on her scholarship and promise of outstanding achievement.
If you’d like to read a little about her research, go here:
Sending Cards to Cynthia Coleman
Lately, I’ve been in contact with Cynthia’s husband Mark because Cynthia is not well. She has been moved to the nursing home facility inside of their new independent living facility, and thankfully, Mark is able to see her daily. It turns out, she has a blood pressure disorder, not Parkinson’s, and this disorder is causing all sorts of serious problems. While both of them are doing as well as can be expected, please be praying for them. It can’t be easy managing this unnerving new chapter in new surroundings.
If you’d like to send Cynthia a card:
235 Walker St. #140
Lenox, MA 01240
Prayers for Kemp’s Wife, Shannon
Kemp, and their wife Shannon are also in need of our prayers and support right now. Shannon has recently returned from a stint in the hospital in Albany, and although she is very glad to be home, doctors are still worried about her heart. This turn of events has been very stressful on both of them, and cards would be much appreciated.
Shannon and Kemp Anderson
97 Main St.
Potsdam, NY 13676
Celebrating with DJ Jones
After a long struggle, DJ is finally moving into a better apartment. He seems to have the moving situation under control, but let’s celebrate this big accomplishment with him. If you’d like to, feel free to send him a welcome home card to his new abode:
DJ Jones
49 Pierrepont Ave. #1
Potsdam, NY 13676
Celebrating with our Graduating Second Chance Scholars
Last Sunday, our church hosted the graduation party for the five newest graduating seniors from SUNY Potsdam to come through the Second Chance Scholars program. Well done, gentleman!
Community Supper and Be the Change Concert
Last night, our whole church building was buzzing with life. First, we had almost 75 people come for Community Supper. After that, the girl scouts descended upon the Center for their weekly meeting, while another group of folks were enjoying a small clarinet and piano concert in the sanctuary followed by a letter writing campaign to our elected officials.
Thank you for having such a giving spirit and sharing our resources with the greater community. This is what living as the beloved community looks like in real space and real time!
Have You Ever Thought about Your Own Funeral?
I’m still thinking about how special Julie Miller’s funeral was. While we were singing Amazing Grace that day, I thought the roof might blow off from the love of our 300 harmonizing voices singing together. The echoes of the sound are still lingering in my mind. I think Julie would have loved her special send off, don’t you?
At Bible study later that week, we got to talking about what we each might want shared at our own funerals. Have you ever thought about that? What favorite hymns might you want sung? A scripture verse that feels close to your heart, or a poem you love?
I realized, myself, that I would want people to sing How Can I Keep from Singing because that song has meant so much to me as I have grown deeper into who I am. Telling people at Bible study about it felt like both a gift to them, but even more so, a gift to me. It helped me to realize how important that song is to me!
Friends, this week I invite you to have a conversation with someone close to you about what each of you might want at your own funeral–not because it dwells on death, but because it stirs up life in us! I had not realized, until Bible study that week, what a gift it can be to talk about this with others.
And if you’d like, feel free to share with me in an email too. I’d love to hear why a certain song means so much to you, or the story behind a poem that has been with you across your entire life.
Let Us Not Forget How Precious This Thing Called Life Is,
Pastor Katrina