Thoughts from Our Bridge Pastor
Rev. Barbara K. Peronteau
Thoughts from the Pastor…
At the moment, my thoughts are filled with the upcoming schedule of events for October and November in the worship life of Arlington Community Church. The easy breezy months of Summer have come and gone. As the Season of Pentecost begins to wind down, it does so with a flurry of activity.
This week, Sunday, October 10, we are getting creative with The Rich Man from the Gospel of Mark and Fiddler on the Roof. Our own Tim Murphy and Joe Pratt will be preforming “If I Were a Rich Man.” I’m sure Joe makes a great Tevye! My message will combine the thoughts of Tevye, the Disciples, and Jesus.
Next week, October 17, is my Sunday off from preaching. I will be leading the service as Lauren Hotchkiss will be bringing us the message through the music of Taize. It is also Jubilee USA Network Sunday. I have woven the two themes of Taize and Jubilee together.
October 24, the ACC Ensemble will be with us, as we also celebrate Stewardship Sunday and the many ways we can live generously.
Reformation Sunday is October 31. On October 30, 1517, the faith of Western Europe was Roman Catholic. On October 31, after Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany all that changed. We are part of that change as we listen and respond to our “Still Speaking God.” My sermon that day will be about what it took for Martin Luther to say “Here I stand” and the utter conviction of faith the Hungarian Reformed pastors had in the face of imprisonment and life as galley slaves.
November 1, a Monday, is All Saints Day. That means we celebrate All Saints Day on Sunday, November 7 when we remember our dead and those who came before us. The opening Hymn that day will be For All the Saints. I hope I can get through it with out crying. Some may know this day as “felize dia de Todos los Santos” or “dia de los Muertos.” It is also Communion Sunday. A very good day to celebrate both.
You will definitely not want to miss November 14 as it is a very important day in the life of Arlington Community Church. I will not be here as this is the day the Pastoral Candidate will lead worship and deliver the Call Sermon. After the service you will be invited to vote whether you want that person as your settled pastor going forward. Our musical guest, Kathryn Hobbs, will be playing “Meditation” by Massenet for our Special Music, and will also join with the Choir as they sing “The Lord’s Prayer” for the Offertory.
Thanksgiving Sunday, Reign of Christ, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) all fall on the same day, Sunday, November 21. It will be the first of three Sundays where we will begin taking the collection for the North Richmond Christmas Fund. You will also be given the chance to give to Neighbors in Need (NIN). A busy Sunday indeed. You will certainly want to be here to see how I will weave all these themes together. The hymns of gathering and thanksgiving will be included in the tapestry of worship.
Drum roll please! After we gather for Thanksgiving with friends and loved ones, the new year in the Christian calendar begins Sunday, November 28 with the First Sunday of Advent as we head toward Bethlehem for the Birth of the Christ Child among our midst.
If I’ve missed anything watch this space.
Peace, Joy, and Wonder on our Christian Journey,
~ Pastor Barbara