Dearly Beloved,
Blessings to you on this first day of Black History Month! Do you have African heritage in your ancestry? Where in your life have the contributions of our African American (and African) siblings made a difference? Black history is American history, and I invite you to be curious and to stretch yourself to learn more about American history of black people -- our family neighbors, friends, fellow citizens and siblings in Christ. May we amplify the words of African American author Angie Thomas:
"Your voices matter. Your dreams matter. Your lives matter.
Be the roses that grow in the concrete"
from "The Hate U Give"
I also want to express my deep gratitude for time away over the last two weeks -- to meet my newest nephew Rylo Royce Daley (12 weeks), to connect in body with colleagues who are part of my Community of Practice, and then to celebrate my partner's birthday.
I will be away this Sunday, but you will NOT want to miss worship. The Rev. Dr. Anthony Scott will be preaching for us again, delving into Matthew 5:1-20 (part of which we heard this past Sunday). No guarantees that he'll sing from the pulpit, but he did last year! And he has a voice to write home about!
I am also deeply grateful for our Congregational Meeting this last Sunday. We'll install our newly elected leaders on Sunday, February 12. And we will continue to explore ways to balance our budget -- both increasing our income and as needed, decreasing our spending.
I am so grateful to be church with you!
With love and peace,
Thandiwe
