Dear Friends,
Peace to you on this gorgeous day in Chicagoland. I can't remember experiencing such a mild December day. I hope you have a chance to enjoy the sunshine.
I wonder, where are your best prayers taking you today? I think that's a question Frederick Buechner, the Presbyterian preacher, once asked, and it's on my mind. We all have many things we're holding in prayer right now - our families and friends, our church and neighborhood, the poor, the sick, those infected with COVID (and the 290,000 who've died in the U.S.) and the health care workers caring for them, those fleeing violence or engaging in self-harm. The list goes on.
These days my best prayers are coming by listening to sacred music. I've spent a lot of time with recordings of Handel's Messiah (this has been a favorite), and various Advent and Christmas playlists on Spotify. Here at fpcw my favorite parts of the worship services are the music, especially the wonderful offerings from last week's Lessons and Carols service - as you can imagine, it's a little odd to watch yourself preach on YouTube! :)
I would love to hear where your best prayers are taking you, friends. Hang in there. You are loved and never alone!
Below you'll see a few updates from our community of faith. Thanks for your support of the life and ministry of fpcw.
Grateful to be with you on the journey of faith,
Pastor Jeff