To me it feels that there is a new energy.

Dear Congregation,

 I hope each and every one of you is doing well! We are now in the month of February, and I, for one, feel that January went by very quickly. To me it feels that there is a new energy. Perhaps it’s because vaccines against the Covid-19 virus are beginning to become more available, even though most people have experienced some difficulty in getting that sought after first appointment, or are still waiting. Still, the promise is that with the approval of a third vaccine there will be much increased availability. As more people are vaccinated there is the hope that we will be further along on the road to normalcy.

February 14, in addition to being Valentine’s Day is Transfiguration Sunday. In the past couple of years, we have also celebrated it as Mardi Gras Sunday, with a special New Orleans-style lunch and colorful decorations in Kelsey Hall after worship. Although we will have to skip the pot-luck lunch this year, I’m thinking it might be fun for each of us to bring our lunch, picnic together after worship in the Garden Chapel, visit in in the open air, while listening to Dixie Land music. (You’re encouraged to wear your beads!) Then we’ll form a circle, put the Alleluia away until Easter.  A Keeper of the Alleluia will be selected.

On ASH WEDNESDAY, February 17^th, we will worship together from 5:30-6 p.m. in the Garden Chapel. This time was chosen to allow those who are working to attend, while taking into account the fact that sundown is forecast to occur at 6:20 p.m. As we do not have lighting in the Garden Chapel, that is an important consideration. This service will also be livestreamed on Facebook. I hope you’ll be present, in-person or virtually, as we begin another Lent together.

Even though it’s necessary to make accommodations to the ways we’re accustomed to doing things at CCC, I’m grateful for the opportunities we do have for worship, fellowship, and outreach. I’m also very appreciative of the beautiful Garden Chapel setting in which the peaceful presence of God in the beauty of nature is such a gift to all of us!  God Bless You!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy