A Momentous Weekend
A message from
Cambridge Ridley Lynch
Director of Curriculum & Lifelong Learning
Dear friends,
I’m of a few minds as we approach this weekend: one, it’s a long weekend and I’m simply looking forward to a break; two, Martin Luther King Jr. Day always puts me in a contemplative mood; and three, it’s Inauguration Day on Monday and, well, the feelings get harder to process and name. Hope, worry, sadness, joy, anticipation–all kinds of contradictory emotions bundled up into three short days.
Regardless of our political beliefs, I hope that we all can agree that the best way forward as we navigate these coming weeks and beyond is the path of love, kindness, and care. That’s why I’m grateful to have Dr. King to think about this weekend. Our family always reads Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. “He said ‘together’ when others said ‘separate,’” it reads, “He said ‘peace’ when others said ‘war.’ ‘Sooner or later, all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together.’” May we all take up that challenge.
Till then, take care of yourselves! My dear friend Matt Puckett sent along a poem today: “Joy is an Act of Rebellion” by David Gate. As some of you know from 10 am Learning Hour last week, I’ve been doing a lot of poetry reading these past few weeks, and I enjoyed sharing “You Matter” by James Crews as my own credo for the days ahead. I’d love to have more poems to feed our collective souls. Feel free to send me back any poetry that you’re using to center yourself these days, or always!
Warmly,
Cambridge
P.S. We're adding an online method for signing up for scripture reading and other worship support. Add your name to read or usher at worship here!
Announcements:
Concert: Infinite Lights Ensemble (1/23) @ 7:30pm - The Infinite Lights Ensemble will perform a concert of sacred Jewish music in our chapel. Established in 2018, the eight musicians in this group each bring their own perspective, turning Jewish Liturgical music on its edge by combining classical, klezmer, and jazz. This concert is free with a $20 suggested donation.
Bingo Night (1/27) @ 6pm - Our Manic Mondays, a new program focusing on intergenerational fellowship, begins this month with an All-Ages Bingo Night. We’ll provide pizza, but do sign up to bring something for the dessert potluck! It'll also help us to know who to expect, so please email us to RSVP.
Baptism Inquiry (2/2) - Our first pre-baptism class of 2025 will be held February 2 after church. If you're considering joining or would simply like to learn more, shoot us an email!
Concert: EnsembleNYC (2/6) @ 7:30pm - Our friend Tom Jennings is organizing a concert of chamber orchestra and choral music with EnsembleNYC, to be performed in our sanctuary. More info can be found on their website.
New Members Class (2/9) - Considering membership at West End Church? Wondering what that even means? Join us for lunch after church on February 9 to discuss what membership means at West End Church, and whether it’s right for you. Email Will with questions or to RSVP.
Manic Mondays: Our new flexible programming happens on the fourth Monday of the month! February’s event will be a song circle for all our amateur musicians on any instrument, from beginner to expert…but if that’s not your thing, tell Matt and Cambridge what you think we should do on March 24!
New Learning Hour series - “How Do We Read The Bible?” How do we read the Bible? How should we read the Bible? Starting this Sunday at 10 am, join our Adult Learning Instructor, Tony Amoury Alkhoury, for a 7-week series discussing the Bible as a divine, literary, historical–and human–text. Together we’ll unwind the underlying principles that can inform our reading and help us better understand the essential truths that God communicates through the Word.
