The Pastor’s Pen

New Year and Winter Things

              First, let me wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy New Year. I pray that your Christmas was what you needed it to be: fun, quiet, busy, family-filled, happy, and/or holy. I pray that you were able to take time to pray thanks to God for the gift of Christ’s birth and life.

Music Sunday 2025 - Last winter, we held a “Music Sunday” celebration in February. In 2025, we’ve scheduled another one, this time on March 2, 2025. We would like the service to feature people’s favorite hymns. To make a service that has a verse or two from the congregation’s 10-12 most favorite hymns, we need your help. Tell us your three favorite hymns by February 9. You can do this in one of three ways: 1) email bristolucc@breezelinebiz.net (don’t reply to the e-newsletter – we won’t get your vote); 2) call the church office and have Jen or I record your vote; or 3) fill out a paper ballot at the church on a Sunday or   during office hours. Estelle and I will put together a list of the top choices and work them together into a service for March 2, Transfiguration Sunday.

We’d also love to hear from those of you who are musically inclined. Can you play a song on an instrument, or would you like to sing something special? Come make a joyful noise to God. You could make a small ensemble (instrumental, vocal, or mixed) with a friend or two. If you’d like to be part of the service this way, please let Estelle or me know by the end of January (so we can hold a place for you).

Please remember, when the weather is inclement, the church building may be closed. Check with your activity’s leader to find out if the activity is cancelled that day. Please don’t take     undue risks. I will come to church on Sundays to lead worship even in bad weather (I have            four-wheel drive). You should do what you need to do to keep safe. You can always attend service by Zoom or watch the recording on YouTube. If you know how to Zoom but have not done so in a while, you should try the Zoom link before Sunday morning. This is because the Zoom program on your computer needs to update once in a while. It usually takes only a minute or two but you don’t want to get into that while the actual service is going on.

Please keep reading the monthly newsletter and calendar this month and in the months ahead. Committees, groups, and various individuals are working some of the usual activities for fun and worship. Also, there have been some new ideas that are being worked on to engage each other, our faith, and our community. You’ll want to be informed about these and put them on your  calendars and “to do” lists in 2025.

Finally, please know that I keep a list of members, congregants, and friends of the church on my desk. I go through it each week and hold each of you in prayer for health, wholeness, faith, and joy throughout the year.