A Message from Daniel
Hope you’re all healthy and well during this season when so many among us seem to be coming down with the cold, flu, covid, and other nasty bugs. If you’ve been sick – or staying in from the chilly weather – please know that we miss you and look forward to seeing you back on Sunday mornings! In the meantime… I want to highlight some exciting things in the life of our church that you won’t want to miss!
1. The Chili Cook-Off! It’s tomorrow night – and it’s an absolute blast! If you’re able to attend, it’s also a wonderful way to show your support for our youth program and their summer mission trip to RISE in western NY. I’m so proud of these young people and you should be, too! For more information and to RSVP – see the announcement below. You can also pay-at-the-door. It’s so much fun and I promise you’ll be glad you attend! PS – don’t forget about the Silent Auction, too! I just took a look at some of the auction items and they’re fantastic. Be sure to bring your credit card! 😉
2. Ash Wednesday – March 5. We have several opportunities to mark the beginning of Lent. You can receive your drive-thru ashes at the Church on the Green during the lunch hour from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. You can attend the Family Service – with our Midweek kids from 5:30 – 6:00 pm at the Parish House. Or you can join us for a more contemplative service from 7:00 – 7:30 pm in South Street Hall at the Parish House. We’ll also be hosting our All Church Dinner next Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. On the menu – pancakes in honor of Shrove Tuesday (we’ll be a day late but it’ll still be lots of fun!). If you want to take a little time to remember why we observe this important season – please make plans to join us!
3. I want to say thank you for the lovely feedback I’ve received over the last two weeks. Our scripture texts have had us focus on Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain from Luke’s gospel. It’s a message that’s grounded in love for God and love for neighbor. Preaching about love is easy to do – but finding ways to put our love into real action – that serves others in real, tangible ways can sometimes feel more challenging. To that end, I’m thrilled that we are making some exciting things happen!
A bit later today, Amanda and I will be meeting with some folks from Morris School District to discuss ways our church might partner with a local school or schools to support the needs of students and teachers in our area. We’ll be sure to keep you posted! I’ve also reached out to the Mayor’s office to set up a meeting with leaders in our town – to offer PCM’s assistance on behalf of our unhoused neighbors. I’m hopeful he’s eager to work with us!
Finally, in the next few days, you’ll see some banners go up at the Church on the Green and the Parish House to express PCM’s welcome and inclusion for all people. They will say:
Everyone is welcome here. Really. Everyone. and Feeling Scared? We see you. We love you.
Both banners will feature PCM’s logo and a small Progress Pride flag with rainbow colors and stripes signaling the full inclusion of trans/non-binary people and people of color.
If you have any questions about any of these things (especially the items I’ve briefly discussed in number 3) – please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts or concerns. It’s important, in these polarizing times, that we keep talking with one another…
In Christ’s love,
Daniel
