First UCC Richmond

Dear Ones, 

Let’s make it a “September to Remember!”  Not only do we enjoy Labor Day and the extra time off, and Richmond Good Old Days, the Hymn Sing and Communion service at Trinity on the Sunday of Good Old Days, but then we get to observe Grandparent’s Day made official by then President Jimmy Carter in 1978, and Constitution Day on September 17.  Jewish New Year or Rosh Hashanah  is on the 30th, always 163 days after Passover—go figure!  

Most of us remember 911, and we should and must. Tragedy struck our nation as never before. I recall that all the churches were packed for a month to six weeks after 911 and since then, well, folks just got busy with other things. I am so glad God doesn’t hold that against us. My prayer for us, First United Church of Christ-Richmond, is that we really do have a “September to Remember” by the number of invites to church that get accepted, the number who are excited about our worship and music ministry, and the newcomers who “Come and See.” 

Meister Eckhart, a soul companion/Cloud of Witness person, said, “the way to holiness is simply to do the next thing you have to do with all your heart and soul, and with delight.” When we love what we are doing, that task is accomplished with great joy and with originality. Seems that works for all: adults, students embarking on a new school year, teachers meeting their new class, and students eligible for Confirmation preparation. Speaking of Confirmation, Logan Northam has already agreed to a first step by being part of worship on September 15 with Shane. And Kyle Ensley led prayer a few weeks ago.  

Polity of the UCC can come after the students feel part of what we do, get involved in who we are and how we do things. Students especially have to be excited and drawn into worship and prayer. Alyson & Paul, Avery, Kaleb, Logan, and Hanna need only contact Pastor Katie or Price Smith on how this can happen.   

A hidden aspect of loving whatever you do is that in the process your ego-self is kidnapped. Marvelous things happen when we forget ourselves and get totally lost in what we are doing. When we become passionate about leading prayer, reading Scripture, acting out Scripture and/or singing, it all comes alive. All of it becomes real, and we become real and part of the action. So, in your desire to do anything, forget about trying to be original and simply fall in love with what you want to accomplish. Become passionate about your involvement and watch the magic as you are transformed into a real believer, singer, lay-reader/actor. Let yourself  “Come and See.” “September to Remember” is up to all of us, the tried and true, the experienced, and those who want to explore. 

Pastor KatieD  

Pastor Katie’s Office Hours and Pastoral Care

Pastor Katie will be in her office at the church on Wednesdays & Thursdays. If there are situations that arise in which you need pastoral care on a day that Pastor Katie is not in the office, please call 586-727-3155 and leave a message with Helen or on the answering machine. You can also give Pastor Katie a call:   Cell number: 586-202-8644 Home phone: 586-716-9543 

In the old days, hospitals and rehab/nursing facilities used to inform pastors when one of their flock was admitted. That doesn’t happen anymore. Pastor Katie is always happy to receive your calls.