Reflection from our Co-Pastor

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Surrendering to God's Design

The Lord looks into the heart. 1 Samuel 16: 7

Recently, a friend stopped by the house to tell me that her brother had suffered a severe heart attack, that he came close to death. We each expressed gratitude that he survived and then grappled with the way that such events awaken us to the reality that any of us could die any day. 

I promised her prayers, to hold her and her family in my heart, and I returned to the duties of my day. As I did, I continued to muse about how, when we are shocked out of our comfort zones, we are invited into deeper relationship with God. Little by little, I am seeing it; as we surrender ourselves to the mystery and beauty of God's designs, we gain freedom to look deeper than the surface and into the heart of every matter and moment.

Sr. Julia Walsh, F.S. P.A.

Living Faith, Daily Catholic Devotions

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

This Friday - January 21. Join in Prayer for Christian Unity

We are so grateful to our ecumenical partners, and one expression of our gratitude is an invitation to an ecumenical prayer service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25. 

Bishop Kae Madden will host a gathering in prayer together on Zoom. Episcopal, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Methodists, ECC (and more) will join with her as we all lift up prayers for unity.

Here is the link for a booklet that includes the history and prayers for each day, Jan 18 through Jan 25.

Nominations Requested for Presiding Bishop of the ECC -

Due January 31, 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers of Our Beloved Communion,

The Leadership Council notes that the nominees for Presiding Bishop will be announced later than anticipated, not meeting the goals for the timeline stated in our current ECC Statutes (II 4.0).

While leaders of both Houses were timely and diligent in developing the Presiding Bishop Nominating Committee (PBNC), the discernment of members of those Houses took longer than anticipated. House leaders used direct invitations to individuals as well as wide appeals in their House newsletter to locate members to serve on the PBNC. 

We are delighted that we have a full PBNC with good representation from both Houses.  However, because of the time it took to find individuals to say yes to serving on the PBNC, the committee was not able to meet for the first time until late December. They determined, after consultation with our Chancellor George von Stamwitz, that to be good stewards of their role it was important for the

Communion to have ample time on the front end of the process to make nominations, rather than meet the statute to announce candidates nine months before Synod voting. George noted that if there are any objections to this decision, it can be resolved at the synod itself. The Leadership Council believes this timeline still meets the constitutional intent for a full and fair election and trusts that the Holy Spirit continues to guide our Communion's process.  

The last day for nominations to the PBNC is January 31.  You can send a nomination to eccpbnc@gmail.com.  

I am making this announcement on behalf of the Leadership Council which is charged with the planning of our Holy Synod, October 9-12, 2022.

Respectfully,

+Francis

Presiding Bishop

Creating Community "Wherever We Are"

Join Us Via Zoom this

Sunday at 5pm



Here is the Zoom Link

Recording - Sunday, January 16, 2022

View the readings, gospel and the homily by Rev. Jane Reina and here is the Sunday Worship Aid for you to print or view.

In remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. this last Sunday, we honored Howard Thurman.

Read this tribute, here.

Past Recordings, Bulletins, and Announcements

For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com. And feel free to call the office at 970 493-9536.