Sunday after worship, we are having our winter Congregational Meeting. There will be chili and child care as we listen to updates on the Music Director Search, the Beer & Bites event and the Variety Show. We will also consider plans to lease the library to Teachable Moments. This is a time for us to be together in community enjoying a bowl of chili  as we hear about the ministries of the church. 

In our tradition, the Executive Council leads the church in its day-to-day operations. But any big decisions of the church are made by the entire membership through congregational meetings such as this one on Sunday. In these meetings, we decide the direction and funding for ministry at the Highlands. We believe that when we are gathered together to do the work of the church, that God is among us. God speaks through each one of us and so all are welcome to speak and given equal voice. By engaging in conversation and listening to one another, we begin to discern what we trust is the path to follow. 

We hope you will join us and be a part of the conversation on Sunday!
Rev. Beth
 

Lent  has begun. About 40 of us worshiped together at First Congo and left with the ashes of our mortality on our foreheads or hands.  It is both humbling and freeing to recognize that this life will end. The discipline of remembering our mortality helps to make this moment and the next more real and precious. 
As I mentioned last week, this Lent, rather than giving something up, I am trying a new devotional, 40 Days of Decrease, A Different Kind of Hunger  by Alicia Britt Chole. The book is a daily devotional that offers readings and reflection as well as a daily fast.The book is available from Amazon and other booksellers and can be ordered for your Kindle or other reader. I've started it and like the way it focuses me and reminds me that these 40 days of Lent are to be a time when we prepare for Easter. Each day, you are welcome to post, if you like, your thoughts about any part of the reading that was especially meaningful to you. Below is a google doc link. If you would prefer to have me send you the google doc link in an email, please let me know. 

40 Days of Decrease google doc

See you Sunday, 
Rev. Beth