On the Brink of the Holiday Season
We celebrate the small things, we pray for the challenges, and we advocate for change where needed.
Life suddenly feels very busy here at Living Table. We are in the midst of a significant fund drive and stewardship campaign, preparing for Advent, and the day-to-day meetings and activities of Living Table and New Branches. And it’s all exciting!
We are doing well with fundraising and encourage everyone to make an additional donation if at all possible. The last week of this month we will focus on gratitude and dedicate our pledges for 2024. It will be a great day to celebrate the ministries of our community and dream about what is to come.
The RAT (Ritual Arts Team) has great plans for Advent which will soon be revealed. As a sneak peak, let’s just say that we’ll be learning a whole lot more from and about Mary as we focus on the Magnificat. You won’t want to miss this Advent season!
This Saturday the New Branches Board and the Council members from each of the three congregations will gather for a retreat time. This is the first time that this group will be getting together. We’ll spend some time learning more about each community and then envision ways of continuing ministries together.
The Property Team continues to be busy with maintaining the building and grounds as well as preparing for the winter. We also welcome Dennis Wallicsh as the facilities manager. Dennis has been super busy as building usage continues to increase. All building use requests can now go through Dennis.
As busy as the community is, I know that many of you have lots going on in your own lives. As we approach the Holiday Season, it’s important to take time to find balance, to check in with ourselves and our neighbors. Whether this is an exciting time of year for you or a hard time, remember you are part of a community who loves and supports you.
Please freely share your joys and your struggles as we enter into the Holidays this year. We celebrate the small things, we pray for the challenges, and we advocate for change where needed.
In response to the chaos and violence of the world around us, it’s important to find moments of peace and celebrate the moments of joy. We make the world a better place when we can let beauty lift our spirits. These moments also strengthen us and enable us to hold hope for those who have lost it, and give us the courage to be held when we are the ones without hope.
As the busy pace picks up, be intentional about caring for yourself and checking in with your neighbors. Together we embody Divine Love. Together we create the realm of God here and now.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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