Dear Congregation,
The peace of Christ to you!
As I write this, things are very busy at CCC with preparations for Saturday’s planned concert to benefit the UCC Ukraine Relief Fund. In the church office Miriam has been readying the program for printing (as well as taking care of several other benefit tasks!). Musicians have been practicing, led by Jay Harrigan, Director of Music, who is overseeing the musical program. Joan Chandler, CCC Women, is coordinating donations of beverages to be sold following the concert as an added fund-raiser and has lined up volunteers to work. Rita Smith has contributed lovely artwork. Daniel Best has seen that the Sanctuary’s air-conditioning is functioning comfortably. Graham Bryan has secured advertising in local papers. Thanks in advance to everyone who is contributing to the success of this Benefit Concert in some way!
This is the church at its best, working together for a very worthy cause! I know we’ve all seen in the news the horrific images of the war in Ukraine and our hearts go out to the millions of refugees who have fled to nearby countries. Sometimes we may feel we can’t do much to help, but certainly hosting this concert allows us to do what we can. We can also continue to pray for an end to this unjust war, for those who have died, for those who mourn, and for all the helpers. May peace come soon to Ukraine!
I share with you this information from the UCC web site,
“As a member of the ACT Alliance, UCC support is being targeted to people most in need through humanitarian relief partners with a history of working in the region. For example, Hungarian Interchurch Aid has been working along the Hungary-Ukraine border for years. It is focusing its war relief in Ukraine to two border cities. In a 10-day span early in the conflict, it trucked 278 metric tons of food and non-food items into Ukraine for relief efforts there.
Aid also is being extended through Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, the relief agency of the Reformed Church in Hungary. Gifts to UCC Ukraine Relief Fund will provide shelter, food, and other care to war refugees and internally displaced people.
Uniting in prayer, action, and giving, we stand as a people of faith in love and compassion with the people of Ukraine and all who are affected, and with our global partners who are welcoming those driven from their homes.”
I hope to see you all at Saturday’s 4 p.m. Benefit Concert (along with your family and friends) and, of course, in worship on Sunday.
God Bless You!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Candy
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