Friends,

Here we are over half way through the hot summer!  I’m so proud of the good work we have been doing on the Sunday mornings that we write notes to the Protestant residents of the prison where Dick and Brent lead a Monday night nondenominational contemplative fellowship.  While we do not invite penpal relationships, one man wrote back to Clint and expressed his deep spiritual need of Christian connection and appreciation for the note of outreach. Dick and Brent directed us to encourage the people to seek out the Monday night prison fellowship group, which can be very helpful for residents’ spiritual needs.  Such good work is also a boon for our own souls, for God’s word tells us: “Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them” (Hebrews 13:3).

This coming Sunday Patty has planned to lead a discussion on how to be our own medical advocates during our 10 AM Hayden Hall potluck fellowship.  In the event that she is not feeling well or is testing positive (her husband Bob has Covid and she is currently quarantined), we will continue our letter writing mission project, and Patty will present during a Sunday in August instead.  So bring note cards and stamps (along with a food item) again just in case.

Also mark on your calendars for the first two Sundays of August, when we can worship together at the Church of the Beatitudes UCC and have lunch afterwards.  For Sunday, August 4 I am thinking Pie and Wine on the NW corner of Tatum and Shea (on our way home).  They seem to be able to accommodate groups and the food is good.  On Sunday, August 11, the Women of Faith group at the COB UCC is sponsoring a potluck and another session of writing letters to prisoners on our massive list.  The COB folks were inspired by the work we are doing at CCOV and want to join with us in the project!  I think we can all help them with what to say, and it will be nice to spent time with our UCC brothers and sisters in Christ.  Be sure to sign up for the potluck event at the COB the week before, or let me know and I will get your name on the list.  I plan to take a substantial salad in my cooler with lots of ice packs.

It won’t be long until we are back in the regular routine of worship again starting September 8!  In the meantime, stay cool!

Peace,

Co-Pastor Sandi