Gathering for Sacred Business

Sunday, April 29, 2012, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

Since I've been otherwise occupied the last couple of weeks, I don't know exactly what's planned for this coming Sunday's Gathering; I do, however, know it's the fifth Sunday of the month, which means lots of important things will be discussed, decided, and determined at the Gathering for Sacred Business evening.  Ann Light says it's going to be BIG, REALLY BIG, and you don't want to miss it. 
Please contact Ann with questions.

I also know the Worship Planning Workgroup, the Community Connecting Workgroup, and so many of the rest of you have willingly stepped in to leadership responsibilities, and The Gathering is humming along.  As we've said all along, The Gathering is a collaborative endeavor - only possible because of our combined voices and efforts.  Many thanks to the Worship Planning Workgroup, the Community Connecting Workgroup, and all the rest of you for living out this shared sense of community!!!

Gathering Miracle

It seems fitting that within a week of Easter, The Gathering heard news of a life giving miracle involving one of our own.  Neil and Karen, our minister, received the call that donor lungs were available.  They rushed to San Antonio, where transplant surgeons and the transplant team gave Neil renewed breath of life.

Reports are available for April 12 and April 21  We are grateful to all who continue to hold Neil and Karen close.  While Neil's early recovery has been spectacular, bumps on the road are not unusual, even expected. 

On a personal note, I've watched Neil live fully within his diminished lung capacity.  I wondered if I might have the courage to soldier on were my lungs turning to concrete.  That last time our Community Connecting Workgroup gathered, we talked about Neil's transplant to be, albeit at an undetermined time.  I felt the hope, love and promise in the room.  It warms my heart to know the breath of life moves easier through Neil's body.  Who will be the first to say in Far Side fashion, "Look at the double lungs on that guy!"

My apologies for not getting the word out on our April 15th Gathering - Economically Speaking.   While this is a time of flux, I'll do my best to keep this blog updated.  I'm not sure what the theme is this evening, but I know we'll join together in loving presence, gratitude and fellowship. Neil and Karen will be there in spirit!

Come Celebrate Easter

Sunday, April 8, 2012, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

What a difference a year makes! Last April we were burning - literally and figuratively - because of drought and wildfires. Hundreds of thousands of acres across Texas were blackened, charred from the devastating fires. Now, the countryside is blooming with new growth, and the incredible wildflowers have painted the state multi-colored. What a beautiful testament to resurrection.

We will celebrate a fuller resurrection experience this Easter Sunday when we gather for worship. Our offering will be designated for Our Church's Wider Mission, the offering which provides for the basic work of the UCC.

Our potluck is anything Easter-y: e.g., ham and ham compliments (salad, vegetables, bread), any favorite Easter food, and anything eggy, e.g., deviled or egg salad. And of course, Easter eggs and bunnies are always welcome. Looking forward to Celebrating Resurrection Sunday together,

Karen