READING: “Wild Geese,” by Mary Oliver You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in...
“Considering Things of Worth” – January 22nd, 2023
READING: Self Portrait, by David Whyte It doesn’t interest me if there is one God Or many gods. I want to know if you belong — or feel abandoned; If you know despair Or can see it in others. I want to know If you are prepared to live in the world With its harsh need to change you; If you can look back with firm eyes Saying “this is where I stand.” I want to know if you know how to melt Into that fierce heat of living Falling toward the center of your longing. I want to know if you are willing...
“We Cannot Walk Alone” – January 15th, 2023
Reading: “Choose to Bless the World,” Rev. Rebecca Parker Your gifts—whatever you discover them to be— can be used to bless or curse the world. The mind's power, the strength of the hands, the reaches of the heart, the gift of speaking, listening, imagining, seeing, waiting Any of these can serve to feed the hungry, bind up wounds, welcome the stranger, praise what is sacred, do the work of justice or offer love. Any of these can draw down the prison door, hoard bread, abandon the poor,...
Musically Speaking – January 13th, 2023
Happy New Year! All hopes and optimism return as we start anew this year. Challenges can be overcome and we can create the goodness we want to see and be in 2023. Our theme for January is Finding our Center, and success toward our shared world can rest on finding and knowing who we are, collectively and individually. Our choir will be singing two anthems on January 29th that remind us of just that. I have to admit that I love these two pieces of music and I love that our choir is growing!...
Happy 2023 From the Fellowship Committee!
Here are reminders of fun social events happening in the coming months - mark your calendars. These are easy ways to meet and enjoy more people at FPW! Feel free to reach out to Izzy Td with any questions about helping or getting involved in any of these events. Also please share ideas for other events that you would enjoy in the future January 8th - 2nd Sunday Social Hour - after church - hosted by Missy Shay & Martha Scott January 28th - Saturday - Potluck and Games Night in the Social...
The View from Here – January 6th, 2023
Greetings Church Family, It was wonderful to be in the sanctuary with many of you on Christmas Eve. I loved seeing your faces; singing with you; and seeing the light from our candles spread across the sanctuary. Deep thanks to everyone who helped, including our readers, all the musicians, the greeters, worship associates, our youth who ran tech, and those who made the joyous reception in the social hall possible. I really hope your holidays have been good ones, and that this new year will...