or call in: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID : 840 5599 7546
password 112233
After worship - un-decorate from Christmas
Dear People of Hope,
The above image is a contemporary icon painted by artist, Kelly Latimore. It pairs with the below reflection and prayer, written by Cameron Bellm.
---
Jesus was born in a makeshift shelter, too—
A place not really meant for human dwelling—
And yet it was there that he met us, in the lowliest refuge.
Two thousand years later, it’s good to remember
That Christ is still being born, here and now,
Most especially in places we’d rather not go,
Places from which we’d rather look away.
God of illumination and incarnation,
Open not only our eyes, but our hearts,
That we may open, too, our hands
And make generous offerings of love,
As your holy light reflects from nylon tent flaps,
Your holy song rises from a crackling campfire,
Lit against the cold, against the night.
Amen.
--- As you drive around our region, you likely see, as I do, people huddled in places not really meant for human dwelling... Today is the 12th day of Christmas in our church season. Tomorrow is Epiphany. We'll celebrate Epiphany on Sunday- that God is made manifest even or perhaps especially where we don't expect it.
Peace of Christ, Pastor Julie
Monthly Social Gatherings starting soon...
Saturday morning 5K
Sunday afternoon boat ride
Thursday evening visit to a museum
Friday night movie
Hope folks are beginning to gather for a series of monthly social gatherings. These will be times when we can be together and just have fun. They will be events where it is easy to invite friends or neighbors. These may be a mix of online or in-person events, with different people volunteering to "host" each one; this leads to natural variety and lots of fun. If you’d like to plan one of these gatherings, contact Pastor Julie - or look for a sign-up sheet in the entryway at Hope.
Gifts of Hope - local giving this Christmas Continuing through January 8
Jesus’ birth changed the world forever. This holiday season, we too can transform the lives of others through more meaningful giving. Donate through our Synod’s Gifts of Hope program and you will support local and global organizations with proven track records of helping those who need it most. Operating since Advent 1992, Gifts of Hope has raised and disbursed almost $4 million to two church camps, four ministries, three international companion synods, and many local social service agencies affiliated with the Synod. These funds have helped the homeless, the hungry, the young, the elderly, immigrants, refugees, jobseekers, seminary and college students, and those seeking to improve their lives. Visit the Gifts of Hope table in the entryway after the service to pick up a catalogue or go to GiftsOfHopeDC.org to learn more.
Collecting warm-wear for PG Day Center now through Sunday January 15
The PG Plaza Day Center welcomes donations of new socks, and new or good condition warm gloves and hats, prefer larger sizes. Hope will collect donations through January 15 and then make sure all items are delivered to the Day Center. Talk to Joan for additional information.
Hope is Hiring Continuing...
Hope's wonderful Administrative Assistant, Beth, has to resign from the position due to family needs. We are grateful for Beth's 5+ years of faithful service and we pray for her transition. Hope is now seeking a new Administrative Assistant. Find the job description on Hope's website and share it with any people or networks who might be interested.
Calendar and Links
Thursday January 5, Pastor Ray and 5 Humble Walk students depart for trip to Puerto Rico pray for their travels and learning
Saturday January 7, 11am-1pm, Living Water worships at Hope
Sunday January 8, 10:30am Epiphany Sunday Worship in person and by zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84055997546?pwd=SHdHTVFjalZpbjFmc0FaTzNKNVZjdz09
Meeting ID: 840 5599 7546
Passcode: 112233
Sunday January 8, after worship, un-decorate from Christmas at Hope
Thursday - Sunday January 12-15,Pastor Julie away for a family wedding Pastor Mark Docken leads Sunday worship
Contact neighboring Pastor Jeff Wilson for emergency pastoral care - 703-582-2846
Tuesday January 17, noon-3pm, Hope serves lunch at PG Day Center contact Joan A to volunteer
Wednesday January 18, 7:30pm, Hope Council Meeting link shared with council
