Blog (Page 7)
News and thoughts
Why Do Leaves Change Color?
As I write this article, Gum trees at the parsonage are only now just beginning to reveal Fall’s arrival with red tipped leaves. It is subtle and easy to miss, but preparations are underway. Trees don’t need to be told when winter is coming. Trees can feel it in their roots and know it is time to care for itself. Through Spring and Summer we sat under the shade of green leaves as chlorophyll overwhelmed the tree as a…
Sanctuary Service Procedures
Grace Church Family and Friends, As we look everyday at the numbers of positive Covid cases in our county, state and around the country, we all continue to wonder how we will return to our sanctuary services, reuniting in our sacred space. We pray that you are safe and well, but this time of separation is becoming increasingly difficult for many. We have developed a proposed plan that will allow us to return to the sanctuary, if all can agree…
Returning to worshiping in person
Grace Family and Friends This Sunday, 20 September 2020, we will be back in the sanctuary for worship (provided Fairfield County does not move back to level 3 this Thursday). It is an exciting time for Grace. It is also a time for some caution as we continue to confront the concerns related to the virus. We feel that we can make this work if we follow some guidelines. We sent those guidelines to you in the last newsletter (they’ll…
Pastor’s Column – Sep 2020
Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed I know their sufferings.” Exodus 3:7 Since the birth of our son, Jessica and I have been hearing a lot of crying. It is Jamie’s way of alerting us to something he needs. Either he is hungry, he is cold, he is hot, he has the hiccups, he needs his diaper changed, or…
Mindful Nature Preschool
After many years, Grace UCC again is home to a preschool. The Mindful Nature Preschool is renting space for its operation. The director, Joanna Johns, has spent many hours creating a great indoor learning space. Additionally, the playground area has been entirely redesigned to provide for outdoor learning opportunities. Pictures may be found on our website and our Facebook page. We have been working with Joanna through her licensing process. The program was licensed, meets all state standards, and is…
You are a Child of God
“For in Christ Jesus you are all children, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3: 26, 28 You are a child of God. Have you stopped to think about that recently? No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,…
How Long, O Lord?
How Long, O Lord? ~Psalm 13 If there was a prayer of the year, it would be Psalm 13. How long, O Lord? How long until we can reunite with loved ones without fear of contracting or spreading the Coronavirus? How long do we have to wear unflattering masks that are both hot and uncomfortable? How long until we can safely sit down in our favorite restaurants with close friends? How long until we can worship together in the sanctuary?…
Gary Culp
Grace United Church of Christ mourns the loss of our retired organist and choir director of more than 51 years, Gary Culp. Our prayers go out to Marilene and the family. Gary passed away peacefully earlier this week at Fairfield Medical Center. The service will be this coming Wednesday and will be broadcast live on the Facebook page of the Frank Smith Funeral Home. The obituary and further information can be found here: https://www.funeralhome.com/obituary/Gary-Culp. A memorial will be held once…
This Feels Right
It has been a long while since our parking lot worship service. After that service I was overjoyed and honored to hear that I would be your next pastor at Grace UCC. I was waiting in the church when I received the great news. Although many of you could not join us, some of us celebrated the moment at a safe distance inside. As we were talking, I noticed a phrase that kept getting repeated. That phrase was, “this just…
Covid-19 worship update
To our Grace United Church of Christ Family and Friends In response to the ongoing health crisis facing our community and our nation, our gathering time for worship was not held on March 15. After much prayer and discussion, the Church Council, in an online meeting, has decided to honor the request of the Heartland Association and the Governor to promote social distancing for the health and safety of our church family. Church services will be offered online between this…