DIDACHE
January 2008

WE ALL HAVE PROMISES TO KEEP

THE CALL TO CONVERSION

UPDATE: The book club met for the first time Monday, January 28. It will meet again on Monday, February 25, 12:10 - 12:50 and regularly at that time on the last Monday of the month. The first book selection is Reading Judas: The Gospel of Judas and the Shaping of Christianity, which will be discussed February 25th. Contact Liddy for more information.

Liddy is anticipating having a monthly "Sunday-morning-during-lunch" chapter of the Book Club for those not able to attend during the work week.

Dear Friends,

Lately, I've been trying to drum up interest in the book club that will be meeting for the first time this coming Monday. In addition to hanging up posters and making announcements, I've been standing on Smithfield Street, passing out fliers.

"Want to join a book club?" I say to passers-by. Some people seem interested, but others get a strange look in their eyes. I can tell what they're thinking: "A church book club? Are you out to convert me?"

I want to tell them that Smithfield UCC is not like the churches they may have encountered in the past. We welcome all people here. We love spirited conversation and the exchange of different, new ideas. We believe asking questions is an essential part of being faithful.

So no, we aren't going to be presenting you with a narrow-minded set of beliefs, then testing your ability to parrot them back. But the irony is that we are out for conversion. We are trying to change lives. As the strategic plan says, we are working together to become "the people of God we say we are." We are trying to love our neighbors more deeply; to serve God more faithfully; to practice forgiveness, mercy, and prayer. Come join us; let's change our lives together.

Yours in Christ,
Liddy Barlow

NURTURE YOUR SPIRIT IN LENT

Lent, the season that begins this year on February 6, is traditionally a time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual housecleaning in preparation for Easter. Christians pay special attention to prayer and Bible study; they may choose to fast by giving up a favorite food or activity, or by giving more generously to help the less fortunate. The forty days of Lent remind us of Jesus' forty days in the wilderness: they are days that prepare us to walk the hard road of faith, even if it leads to the cross.

Here at Smithfield, our Smithfield School classes for adults are marking this season with the theme Tending Your Soul: Spiritual Practices for Lent 2008. We are offering a series of participatory workshops on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:40 that will introduce you to some of the ways your fellow church members observe this special season.

We will begin on February 10 with a journal-making workshop led by Liddy Barlow. Come create your own book of prayers and reflections, and participate in some guided writing activities. No experience or artistic talent is necessary, and we won't be checking your spelling!

As the series continues, we'll be experiencing drumming with Doug Patterson, sound yoga with Jim Varner, and Quaker spirituality with David Anderson, among other fascinating workshops. Watch your weekly bulletins for updates, and plan to join us for this great series!

A SOWER WENT OUT TO SOW

Each week, the children gather in the chapel to hear Bible stories, sing songs, and learn the Lord's Prayer. Want to join them? Speak with Liddy about serving as a playtime assistant!

ISAIAH'S BEAUTIFUL SURPRISE BRINGS JOY TO THE WORLD (OR AT LEAST TO SMITHFIELD CHURCH)

During worship on December 23, Bethlehem met Pittsburgh as the curtain rose on our intergenerational Christmas pageant, Isaiah's Beautiful Surprise. Thirty-five Smithfield children, youth, and adults had roles in the pageant, and many more helped behind the scenes. Because of everyone's hard work, the pageant was a delight. What a wonderful way to begin Christmas celebrations!

See also Making a Christmas Pageant

SMITHFIELD SCHOOL WISH LIST

We are looking for angels who might be able to donate the following supplies for our programs:

• Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Michael's, and Staples
• Wooden figures for children's chapel (could be made at home if you have a jigsaw; see Liddy for more details)
• Bible toys for the nursery (see Liddy for suggestions)
• Simple dolls (not baby dolls) for the preschool classroom

BIBLE STORY QUILTS ON DISPLAY

After January 27, visit the Fellowship Hall to see the intricately-detailed Bible story quilts designed and created by Liddy's grandmother, Janet Grevstad.

OVERHEARD AT SMITHFIELD SCHOOL

Does God ever lose faith in us?

"Sure, God can lose faith in us. God can do anything. But God chooses not to."
    Rommel Cook

SMITHFIELD SCHOOL CALENDAR

• January 27: Leader Workshop at 12:45 p.m. in the library for adults interested in working with children and youth.
• January 28: Brown-Bag Book Club first meeting, 12:10 p.m. in the library
• February 2: Education Team meeting after worship in the library
• February 6: Ash Wednesday
• February 10: "Tending Your Soul: Spiritual Practices for Lent" begins today with a journal-making workshop for adults at 9:45 in the library. New teachers for the elementary class also begin today.

Go to Education page

  – through you and me!