news

By Beveryly Nelson
StandUpForCaregivers.org

The transition to family caregiving often comes as a surprise. An aging relative gets seriously ill or injured, and suddenly they need help and you're the only one available to give it. In the rush to meet their needs, you forget to think about how you'll keep yourself healthy with this new responsibility on your shoulders.

We are worshipping in-person at the church, live-streaming to wherever you are, and a recording will be available on YouTube later in the day. We will continue to offer these three ways to join us in worship.

In-Person Worship Begins at 9:30 am!

We are committed to offering worship opportunities for everyone during this time when it may be reasonable for some people to join in public gatherings, and yet still be too great of a risk for others.

• In-Person: Meeting in-person at the church at 9:30 am, (Fully vaccinated people have the option to not wear a mask. We do ask everyone to remain careful.).
• Live Video: Live-streaming the service to YouTube. Stream will start around 9:20 am with worship starting at 9:30 am. Don't worry if you join late, you can rewind to the beginning.
• Recorded Video: Available either immediately or later in the day on YouTube

Please "Subscribe" to our YouTube channel for easiest access to both live and recorded services. Click on the "Subscribe" button at this page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZuJHskSKoLnYRsGTt3clUA/videos?view=0&s...

You can sign up for emails with church news and worship information at the following link : http://eepurl.com/gW5eBj

By Beveryly Nelson
StandUpForCaregivers.org

According to recent statistics, the vast majority of caregivers live close to their care recipient, but about 13 percent of caregivers live up to an hour away. If you fall into this 13 percent, then you’ll need to have a proper plan in place to ensure your senior loved one’s needs are met. So, let’s look at some of the major things you should address.

We are in the midst of a difficult time. Sickness, conflict, anger and fear are very real, and touch all of our lives. What are Christians to do?

Our mailboxes, inboxes, TV’s, and social media are filled with messages pulling us one way or the other, often by mischaracterizations and exaggeration. The political powers self-righteously demonize each other. We are dumbfounded when people we once respected support a different candidate, political system, or movement. Long-time friends, and even family members, “unfriend” and block each other. We rationalize this because of the enormity of what is at stake.

If we have to go through a pandemic, I am glad to be surrounded by people like you!

You continue to love and support one another. Your encouragement to me is priceless. You are faithfully supporting the financial needs of our congregation. It is wonderful to be part of the ways you have met practical needs such as deliveries of toilet paper and food, driving each other to doctor appointments, and running errands. It is wonderful to hear how much your phone calls, emails, and notes mean to each other. We remain connected, even though we may be separated by distance and disease.

Nancy and I urge you to please watch this very brief, less than 2 minutes, video.

Big things often come in small packages.

This was clearly true last Sunday afternoon as we served meals to people who are homeless and hungry. We were getting to the end of the food and things were winding down. People were still coming in small groups but the line was gone. A tall strong man noticed we might have some taco topping left over and asked Molly for whatever was left. He and Molly had spoken with each other during previous trips and he remembered her name. He’d tease her saying, “Good golly, Miss Molly.” With an overflowing plate in his hand, he persistently asked for more food. While the banter was playful on one level, I sensed an uncomfortable undertone so I walked over and stood by Molly. I quickly realized that Molly didn’t need any help. She playfully sparred with him and proved to be more than his match. As more people came through the line it appeared that little or nothing would be left. The man continued to push for whatever remained in the pot – now rather than later. But Molly patiently and kindly told him to wait until everybody was served. Then, as Molly scooped the final remains of taco meat from her pot for someone else, something totally wonderful happened. Ginger.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last week we were confronted by a terrible tragedy. Racism and hatred drove a young man to slaughter nine people and deeply impact the lives of countless others. We face the question of, “What must we do?” Remaining the same is not an option.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Do you remember the first time you visited this church? Did you walk in not knowing anybody? Did you encounter unknown faces, music, and habits? What made you feel welcome? What brought you back?

Since you received this newsletter you most likely worshipped with us; probably more than once. Some of you are longtime members. Many have recently started to worship and serve with us. Others are in the process of checking things out.

Each of us was at one time a “visitor.”