January 13, 2024

Friends,

Greetings on a Windy & Chilly Saturday

With football games scheduled this weekend in Kansas City and Buffalo, one must be a real fan to watch in person rather than staying home and watching it on television. Kick-off later this afternoon in Arrowhead Stadium may have weather several degrees below zero. I still remember the Sunday in Louisville, KY when the weather on a Sunday morning was 73 below wind chill. And yet, when it came time to start the first service at the Harvey Browne Memorial Presbyterian Church, believe it or not, people were sitting in their pews. Blessed are they who are able to adjust and adapt even in extreme weather.

Annual Women’s Retreat on Fripp Island, Ends Tomorrow

The annual Women’s Retreat is in full swing on Fripp Island as those who are participating in the retreat have gathered around the theme of “Growing in the Spirit.” The Rev. Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Albright, currently serving as our General Presbyter for the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, will lead the closing worship service tomorrow morning.

Senior High Youth, Sunday Afternoon, The Seckinger’s

Our youth will begin their time together beginning at 5:00 pm around a low country fire pit at 25 Alligator Alley. Join us for hot dogs and smores, fellowship and going over our schedule through the spring and summer as we look at an upcoming presbytery wide retreat at Bethelwoods in York, South Carolina and the Summer Youth Conference at Montreat.

Church Safety & Security Training, Saturday, February 10, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The shocking number of shootings in houses of worship makes it essential for us to be better prepared to help ensure our church campus remains safe and welcoming for all. This essential training is for pastors, church staff, elders, deacon, and ushers, Sunday School and youth leaders, day school staff, volunteers, and interested congregation members and friends. This program developed by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the National Response Team covers surrounding awareness, understanding human behavior, addressing people who may want to hurt others, first aid basics, strategies for surviving violent intruder situations, security roles of ushers and greeters,

The workshop is free and includes lunch, beverages and snacks. Sign up on the sheet in the gathering room or at the table in the narthex on Jan. 28. Questions? Contact Chris Crooke at kenchris73@yahoo.com or (860) 214-4301

Pastoral Care in the Life of the Church

As we prepare to gather as sisters and brother in Christ to worship tomorrow morning, let us remember with our friendship and prayers Lucy Evans (Helena House); Peggy Burttram, Earl Schlaubach, and Marion Weihrouch (Sprenger House); Meribeth Mizell (Assisted Living, Ridgeland); and Dan Keitt (Homebound).

Vicki Lee Linn-Eicher, Norfolk, VA, sister of Jerry (Jodi) Linn, entered the Church Triumphant on November 26, 2023. A Celebration of Life was held this morning at the Bayview United Church of Christ, Norfok, VA. And Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Chip Gibson, Rincon, GA, son of Suzanne Gibson, now living in North Carolina, entered the Church Triumphant last week. Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. We find comfort in the wisdom of the Psalmist, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.”

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

The past week had several, unexpected twists and turns and therefore this late email which is usually available no later than Friday afternoon. You see that I have included the bulletin for tomorrow in the below attachment.

May the Lord bless and keep you; be kind and gracious to you; make his holy face to shine upon you; and give you peace. Amen. +