Cup of Joe, January 10, 2025

 

I hope that you were able to claim some rest and re-charge time over the holidays.  It certainly does feel like things are starting up again, and I continue to believe that what is most helpful is simply being able to connect with one another, both within our congregation as well as connecting with like-hearted folk from other communities.

Every Wednesday morning at 8:30, I host an adult religious exploration opportunity called Braver/Wiser.  We start with some moments of silence and then we read that day’s Braver/Wiser offering. And then we share what that reading brings up for us, and off we go! It’s a chance for some spiritual growth and learning, and I hope it’s a chance for a restorative pause to catch your breath mid-week.

This year’s Dr. King Celebration Weekend (Jan 17-20) and re-committing to carry on the work for justice and the creation of Beloved Community feels more important than ever to me. You’ll find the listing of events here.

One of our young people will be performing in the kick-off celebration on Friday, Jan 17, and we’ll be hosting two events in our meetinghouse. On Saturday, Jan 18, at noon we host a puppet show and singalong. You can learn more about the “Civility Puppets” project here. Dan Berggren and Rev Joe will also be lending their voices and guitars to the event.

On Sunday, Jan 19, at 6:00, our Social Justice team hosts a viewing of “An Unsettling Force,” which documents the revival of Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign led by Bishop William J. Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharis.

Again, check out the full schedule for the MLK Celebration Weekend.

Finally, the Saratoga Interfaith Alliance will host a potluck on Monday, January 20 at 5:00 at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. We hope to brainstorm some goals, strategies and events that congregations can collaborate on and how we might support one another’s well-being and work for justice.  Please bring your own place settings if you can.

See you Sunday & beyond!

love,

Rev Joe