Beloved,

Blessed 2010! I pray that your spirit, if not your senses, can tell that the light is growing stronger. I pray that if your holidays were good and mellow and filled with easy relationship, that the loveliness of those days lingers. I pray that if your holidays were hard, hard; full of travel delayed and peace denied, that you have been able to shake it off, to return to vocations that gladden your heart, and to chosen family who love you just as you are, just as God loves you.

Laura Ruth has started our new sermon series on Race, Immigration and Justice last week, with a moving sermon on Rank. This week, we are so, so lucky to have Elena Letona preaching for us. Elena is one of those people for me, whenever she talks, I hang on every word. She’s that passionate, and warm, and wise, and loves God so much, and GETS what Jesus was about, and never leaves me without a new nugget to ponder, a new piece of the puzzle in place. You might remember her from the panel discussion on race last spring. You won’t want to miss her preaching.

She’ll be preaching from Genesis and Matthew:  Genesis, God’s act of creating by speaking things into being, and Matthew, Jesus’ homily on evil speech–and a bona fide scatalogical joke (about talking trash, only it’s not trash he’s referring to). Elena will examine our use of the word “illegal” in regard to human beings, as in “illegal alien,” and what that does to our psyches and our spirits.

Andrew is our newbie liturgist (say a prayer for him!), Laura Ruth will lead us in prayers, and I’ll offer a children’s time. Thom and Joe and choir are back! Hurrah! It will be good, good to be together again, in a new year.

Our small group Rooftop People follows worship, for all those in caregiving and helping professions. We’ll be talking, on this Baptism of Christ Sunday, about Jesus’ baptism and our own opportunities for new practices and commitments with the new year. All are welcome!

Also following worship:  Newcomers’ Tour for those preparing for formal membership at First Church, and those just curious about the nooks and crannies.

And just in case you thought I forgot:  church directory photos happen today, tomorrow, saturday! Y’all have done an amazing job signing up, but there are still 20+ of you who we’d love to include.

Don’t be left out! Come in, come in!

blessings
Molly