This past Sunday Alayne Jaffe and I had the honor of receiving a very special gift. This gift was not one of material treasure nor was it one of the “fruits of the Spirit” that the Reverend Christensen spoke of in his sermon on January 17. Rather, this gift was unique and memorable because it came from the heart from a Unity parishioner. This congregant expressed to the two of us more than just a profound sense of joy and gratitude that our church opened our doors to another. In the course of our conversation, she shared a part of her life history. For the past several years she had the opportunity to visit other congregations, attend their worship services, and to join in fellowship with other believers. What made our church special for her was that our little congregation, with a big heart, was the only congregation in which every member greeted her with an affection smile and a sincere “Welcome.”

Watching the heartfelt emotion of our Unity guest, I was proud of our congregation. As the Still Speaking commercials indicated, “Jesus never turned anybody away, neither do we.” I’m proud to be part of a congregation where “bouncers” guarding the entrances with red velvet ropes are non-existent and instead is replaced with the extravagant love of our Lord which seeks to continuously live by the words “here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see ALL the people.” 

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Many folks are sending comments to CBS and CBS Sports over the very anti-abortion commercial featuring a famous football player during the Super Bowl's highly touted commercial zone.  Seems they forgot that when they turned down us old-timer Christians in the UCC over our "Bouncer" ad, they said they didn't want to take sides on controversial issues.  I never have seen what was objectionable about the ad, so I'm asking you to go to our national church website, ucc.org, and then type in "bouncer"  to see for yourself.

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I'm glad to report that I now have posted all the pictures that you sent to me, except those that were too large - taken at too good a resolution.  Please use your low setting on your camera, which should keep the files under 500 Kb.

Pastor Michael

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Priorities come first.  Many of us were sleepy at the congregational meeting and worship on Sunday morning because we spent the night, or part of it, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, just down J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, welcoming and providing supper and breakfast for the homeless through PORT - Pooling Our Resources Together.  Our second overnight has been moved to January 31-February 1 in a swap with Hilton Christian Church, at Chestnut United Methodist Church.

                    registering homeless friends                                                   visiting in the kitchen

                                carving the hams                                                      4 o'clock sure comes early!

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We held our children's Christmas Program early in Advent on Wednesday, December 2nd, with minimal rehearsals under director Sue Howell.  The program is sponsored by Women's Fellowship so that the children will learn the Christmas story by doing it.  Women's Fellowship hosts a short party afterward.  

                                       a little lamb                                                                  one serious angel

                           gathered at the manger                                                                littlest angel

                                     the holy family                                                                 the singing kings

                      getting the words just right

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Fifteen families will receive holiday meals as a result of our Old- Fashioned Pounding.  With the help of the Food Bank and Pastor Michael, each meal box, a turkey, and a note from our congregation was distributed to fifteen households during the week of Dec. 14th.  Thanks to all who contributed in any way to this project, as we gathered the meals one item at a time each week at worship.  Once again, Warwick UCC demonstrates compassion for others and a willingness to reach out to the community with generosity.

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Grace United Methodist Church hosted the Peninsula CROP Walk, for Church World Service emergency ministries thorughout the world.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to cut the rest of the photos down below 500 Kb and include them here.  Special thanks to Justice and Witness of Warwick UCC for starting the planning each year for the CROP Walk.  We had 19 participants.  Williamsburg United Methodist Church provided a youth band to play and urge us on.  Arik and Joe put up signs for walk below.

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Thanks so much to all those who helped Stewardship and Finance serve our fish fries.  Customers have really raved!

Flounder filet, hush puppies, beans and slaw - great!

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