To the Saints in Jerusalem:
Few people can be unmoved by the recent news of conflict in our world: violent conflict in the Middle East, continuing war in Ukraine and baffling political conflict on Capitol Hill in Washington. Thus, we pray in church every Sunday morning for peace on earth, for the peace of Jerusalem, for peace in all holy places, for peace in places that need it the most.
Here in San Carlos, we are blessed with good weather and a peaceful and safe environment, for which we give thanks. I met this week with Pastor Joshua of the Lutheran Church. We meet fairly regularly now at Plantation Coffee on Laurel Avenue. We continue to look for ways for our congregations to work together for the health and strength of our community.
Looking ahead to the Holidays, we will meet for worship on Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve, at 7:30 pm. If anyone feels strongly about meeting for worship that morning in addition, or on Christmas morning, do let me know.
Looking even further ahead, the San Carlos Community Church was founded in 1928. Let us think begin thinking of how to celebrate this event.
The church council is always looking for ways to raise money to maintain our historic presence on the edge of the heart of San Carlos. As I have reported over the past couple of years, our many tenants have greatly helped us to bring our budget into somewhere close to balance. Our financial situation has greatly improved in just the two years that I have been here. Our largest tenant is The Children's Place, which was started by our congregation decades ago and has been an integral part of our mission.
The council is considering a proposal from The Children's Place to remodel the garage for additional classroom space. TCP board is confident that there is sufficient demand to utilize the space, serve more people and thus bring in more revenue. While I certainly enjoy parking my car in the garage, I am willing to sacrifice this relative luxury - it does not SNOW here after all - for the financial stability of the congregation.
Plans for the garage remodeling, cost, projected completion date, etc. will be available shortly. Approval of the project will not require a congregational meeting, but the council very much wants your input, questions, suggestions, et al.
Next Sunday we will continue to hear about the trial of Saint Paul in Jerusalem and the further adventures of Elijah.
1 Kings 19:3-8
When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of Judah. He left his young servant there and then went on into the desert another day's journey. He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all - to just die: "Enough of this, God! Take my life - I'm ready to join my ancestors in the grave!"
Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush. Suddenly an angel shook him awake and said, "Get up and eat!" He looked around and, to his surprise, right by his head were a loaf of bread baked on some coals and a jug of water. He ate the meal and went back to sleep. The angel of God came back, shook him awake again, and said, "Get up and eat some more - you've got a long journey ahead of you."
I love the Bible for the worldly details. Elijah is on the lam from his many enemies and God sees fit to remind him to rest and to eat - always a good reminder - under a broom bush and a loaf of bread baked on coals. Yes, the world is a mess, but take time out to eat. If eating with friends, say a blessing beforehand. What a blessing is this life, whatever the circumstances.
- Pastor Richard Hyde
Community Church of San Carlos
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