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Dear
Congregation,
Happy Groundhog’s Day. I understand that the word from Puxatawny, Pennsylvania is that we need to be prepared for six more weeks of winter. I can live with the winter weather we have experienced this
week.
Whether it is warm and sunny or cold or windy or snowing or raining, we, as a church, have work to do. We will be here on Sundays for worship and lots of other programs and activities in-between. Lent is coming and
we will have our noon services on Wednesdays at Trinity Chapel. Members are in and out of our buildings working on painting, plumbing, cleaning, and organizing. Youth are preparing for events in Lancaster, a mission trip to West Virginia,
the 2012 National UCC Youth Event, and welcoming a group of 21 French youth and adults in July. The list goes on and on – as you know. We are also continuing our prophetic witness in our work with the poor in Frederick including members
volunteering with the Religious Coalition and serving meals at Second Street Hope.
Most recently, members and friends of the congregation have been working towards the passage of Marriage Equality legislation. The social room was packed on Sunday evening as we shared with our elected
representatives how marriage equality is a justice issue for us and its passage long overdue for Maryland. There is much work to be done including writing letters to our state senators and delegates, traveling to Annapolis to lobby our
delegates and senators, speaking and writing to everyone we know to get them to write letters and lobby their elected representatives.
Last evening I watched “The Better Hour” on Netflix which tells the story of William Wilberforce, a British politician and philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. The
documentary makes it clear that Wilberforce’s commitment to social justice was rooted in his deep Christian faith. There are some wonderful scenes and comments about the Church’s role in advocating for justice in many areas of church
and society.
I was reminded of this prophetic witness commitment this morning as one of my downtown pastoral colleagues reminded me that it was Rev. Daniel Zacharias, who unafraid to speak out about the Civil War.
Advocating for justice and full participation of all people in congregations and society is historically a part of who we are as people of faith.
We are accountable to our God in speaking out whenever and wherever there is injustice. As I said at Sunday evening’s Congregations for Marriage Equality event, “We are blessed to live in a nation where elected
officials are also held accountable to hearing the stories of their constituents and for …us, it is part of a long-line of faithful advocacy for those who have been overlooked ignored, or denied rights.”
&Sunday Morning Worship:
The readings today affirm the importance of prayer in keeping our focus for ministry. Restored by God’s transforming love, we are reshaped as messengers of good news. In our Gospel lesson, Mark 1:29-39
, as Jesus is seeking rest at the home of Simon and Andrew, he is called upon to heal Simon’s mother-in-law. Crowds begin to press in around the house, demanding more words and deeds of power from Jesus.
Isaiah 40: 21-31
calls God’s people to remember that God – who created the universe and rules everything within it – is their source of strength.
We will share pew communion during the 10:30 service.
Food for Thought:
Being religious means asking passionately the question of the meaning of our existence and being willing to receive answers, even if the answers hurt. (Paul Tillich, 20th Century)
Further Note:
LOBBY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Monday, February 13
We have contracted with Virginia Coach Company who will provide us with a 55 passenger motor coach complete with comfortable high back seats and restroom to travel to Annapolis to show our support for
Marriage Equality legislation. Lobby Day begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Lawyer’s Mall (in front of the State Capitol). Confirmed speakers include Candance & Rebecca Gringrich-Jones and Senator Allan Kittleman.
The bus will depart at 4:00 from the lot behind the Target at 5437 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704. We are not sure of the ending time for the event but we anticipate departure from Annapolis will not be later than
9:00 p.m. We are requesting a donation for the bus -- $20 per person, $30 per couple, $10 for any teenagers who want to travel. As always, if finances are a concern, you are welcome to attend.
Bus transportation is for first come, first served. Please contact Pastor Daniel if you have any questions. As more information about the evening is available we will also share it.
*** Please note that we will also be chartering a bus for the day when the Marriage Equality bill will be read in the House of Delegates. That date has not been set.
Barbara
Barbara Kershner Daniel
Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762
e-mail: bkdaniel@erucc.org
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