Day 675 Thursday January 20, 2022

Announcement for our upcoming Emmaus Liturgy for this Sunday, January 23, 2022

It never ceases to amaze me just how fast the church year flows! This year's lectionary readings move from Jesus’ birth…to (poof!) his baptism…and then (poof!) the first steps of his public ministry…and it’s only January!

And even though we have all heard these stories year after year, it also never ceases to amaze me how they can reveal new meanings and messages…if we listen. Case in point, the gospel for this upcoming Sunday, which is often referred to as Jesus’ “inaugural address,” is one we have heard so often!

During our last liturgy, David spoke about Jesus’ baptism: hearing that he is “beloved.” Jesus knows his baptism is one of Fire and Spirit…one that will enable him to hold seeming opposites, and find the “holiness” in the “wholeness of life.”

So, it seems timely that, this Sunday we look at, and listen to, what Jesus will proclaim as his life’s agenda or mission. Throughout this Sundays liturgy we will hear the importance of “the assembly” gathering together, to hear the word of God. We’ll hear how important words can be… can literally be "Gospel medicine” … to convey the health and wholeness of our very being…mind, heart and soul.

The story is about Jesus returning to his hometown, going to the synagogue and, as was the custom, being handed a scroll to read and then preach. And, as we will hear, Jesus unrolls the scroll, and finds the place in Isaiah (Is 42: 6-7) that he wants to highlight. I invite you to listen with, the ear of your heart, to Jesus’ words:

The SPIRIT is upon me, and has ANOINTED me

To bring GLAD tidings to the POOR.

To proclaim LIBERTY to the CAPTIVE,

SIGHT to the BLIND.

To let the OPPRESSED go FREE.

And his homily… even shorter… “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

So, as we gather (over Zoom) for our liturgy this coming Sunday…read, reflect and see, which of these proclaimed words may have touched you. And even though you may have heard these same words year after year, what do they evoke in you today? How might assembling together, listening to, and sharing our words, be significant…healing…maybe even liberating?

And, if, by virtue of our baptism, we are all called “beloved” (just like Jesus)… how is knowing that you are beloved, spark your own inaugural address… to proclaim the agenda of your life?

Come, let us assemble, listen, and speak, the words of life.

Victoria MacDonald

Dan Vrooman

Announcement #1: from JoAnn and Jim:

Earth Care Alliance invites you to join us

TO COME TOGETHER ON THE SDC LAND

TO BLESS THE LAND,

AND ASK THE LAND TO BLESS US

“YOUR ATTENTION AND OPEN EAR IS AS MUCH A GIFT TO THE LANDSCAPE, AS IS A GIFT TO YOU"

BLESSINGS OFFERED BY WAY OF: POETRY, CAPACITAR PRACTICES OF TAI- CHI, SHINRIN -YOKU, AND DEEP LISTENING

Dates:

Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022

Friday Jan 21, 2022

and the day before Supervisors meeting Monday Jan 24th. ( PLEASE JOIN US FOR ONE OR ALL)

TIME: BLESSINGS BEGIN AT 9-10 AM

MEET: At THE FOUR WAY STOP SIGN AT THE HEART OF SDC: Corner of Arnold Drive and Harney St. ( Please park on east side of Arnold Drive on Harney St.)

MASK AND DISTANCING REQUIRED

PLEASE NOTE: We come, not to rally or update the recent developments on what the future of SDC, BUT TO BLESS AND LISTEN TO THE LAND.

Questions please contact: Virginia, vbertelsen13@gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENT #2:

Online ordering of AT-HOME COVID TESTS

You may order 4 free at-home COVID tests using the following links.

special.usps.com (United States Postal Service)

covidtests.gov (United States Government)

Announcement #3 Reminder about the Liturgy meeting

Date: 3/25/2022

Time: 3:00

Please join our Liturgy Committee meeting with leadership from Victoria MacDonald: All are welcome on ZOOM and share your insights, thoughts and creativity about our celebrations. If you've ever wanted to concelebrate this is your chance! (And we have plenty of resources and helpers to assist you).

Join Zoom Meeting at 3:00 on Tuesday the 25th of January, 2022

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5193158573

Passcode: 1234

Meeting ID: 519 315 8573

For calling in by Phone:

One tap mobile+16699006833,,5193158573# US (San Jose)

ANNOUNCEMENT #4 from Denise Dixon:

Meals at Sam Jones

Per the results of the survey, are we stick with Wednesdays and for now continue with remote meal prep. Thank you all for your responses. For the 2 people who could not do Wednesday, an option would be to make dessert (usually brownies) that I could pick up a day ahead. I think they would keep OK. Let me know if you would like to try that. We can again consider on-site when COVID is less threatening.

Our next meal is a week from this Wednesday: 1/26.

Note this is not our usual date (which would have been this Weds). I propose we again do the enchilada casserole. At least for me, it is the easiest and most versatile. As usual need salad and dessert along with main course. Let me know how you can help. Look forward to seeing you on the 26th. - Denise

ANNOUNCEMENT #5 from Marcie Dahlen:

I just received this note from Marcie: “A check in today’s mail covers the cost of the blankets…(sounds like ... John Poole working his magic…) Marcie ends the text with Emmaus Community is amazing!”

I am looking for helpers to make tie fleece blankets for children who are living with their families at the Family Service Center in Santa Rosa operated by Catholic Charities. Each blanket takes approximately 2 hours to make. No sewing involved. You need a scissors and a ruler.’

Background: There are 22 children between the ages of 2-10 living at the Center with their families. They are sheltered while working on finding permanent housing and/or jobs. Staff at Center works with these families for weeks or months to that end. The Center is presently in lockdown so blankets will have to be stored until delivered. JoAnn Fabrics had tie blankets kits on sale until yesterday, so I bought 25. Sale price was $15. If you are able to help or would like more information, call or email Marcie Dahlen 303-330-2804, marciedahlen@me.com.

That's all folks!