As I began preparation for worship and preaching on 27 June, I read all of the lectionary readings.  One that I decided not to use as I want to go in a bit different direction with the service and sermon this week still struck me very powerfully.  The reading is from Paul's letter to the Galatian church.  It begins this way: "For freedom Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.  For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.  For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another." (Galatians 5:1, 13-15).

Clearly Paul was writing this cautionary epistle because there were people who were taking advantage of their freedom for self-indulgence, there were people who were becoming enslaved to their indulgences, there were people who would never have thought of themselves as servants, much less slaves of anyone else, there were people who bit and devoured others-in short, there were people who did not love neighbor as self.  Paul knew of such people or he would not have written this.  Yet Paul had experienced something different or he would not have known that something different was possible.  Paul had experienced love in Christian communities where that single commandment was practiced-imperfectly, but broadly-and where people did not take advantage of their freedom for the purpose of self-indulgence.

How strange!  You and I live in a society where the rules are that if one is to be a good citizen, one must take advantage of freedom for the sake of self-indulgence.  It is THE fundamental rule of a competitive market economy.  In our society, it is immoral to consider anything but one's own economic advantage when making decisions.  It is immoral to do other than devour one another (it's a dog-eat-dog world).  It is immoral to consider serving another unless being sufficiently paid.  Indeed, it is immoral to love neighbor as self in the context of our system.  To think of loving a competitor is violate the rules of the game.

The CEO of British Petroleum certainly used his freedom (granted to him by his enormous wealth) as an opportunity for self-indulgence recently.  Yet we are all participants in the system that pushes all of us in the opposite direction of Paul's letter, pushes us in the opposite direction from true freedom and true life.

How strange!

Peace,

Dave

A Journey Begins

My brother-in-law of 30 years died June 9.  I officiated at his memorial service last week in South Carolina -- it was an informal service with lots of storytelling about Stan and expressions of what he meant to us.  I shared a beautiful memory I have of him -

When my mother was dying in 1994, I, along with my sister and brother, were keeping vigil at the hospital where she lay in a coma.  Exhausted, I went back to my sister's house each evening to regain a little strength for the next day's waiting.  Part of my time each evening was to clean my contact lenses which ended up dirty with salt from my tears during the day, and I couldn't wear my glasses because they were broken.  I returned home one evening and Stan had repaired my glasses for me.  A small act of kindness, but one that has stayed with me all these years.  It meant so much because I was too spent to do anything for myself, and to come back and find my glasses waiting for me meant that Stan had thought about me during the day and had some compassion for how my eyes were hurting each evening.  It was a gift that carried tremendous meaning for me.

The story of Stan's death is not a pretty one.  Despite hospice care, he suffered greatly, I think.  Still, he died knowing that his family was there and he was greatly loved.

Thirty years is a long time to have someone be part of the family;  I haven't yet really processed what it will be like for me to visit their home and Stan not be there to greet and welcome me.  And that's just me.  Stan was always there for my sister, her confidant and best friend.  As she herself said on the day after the memorial service, "So now my journey begins."  Poignant words.  Her journey of grief and tears and anguished adjustment now begins.  It is a journey of creating a new identity for herself, even though in a very important sense Stan remains with her.  She'll have a different relationship with him now, but no relationship ever really dies, for we are forever changed by loving others.  They become part of who we are. 

It was truly wrenching for me to leave Susan, my niece Ashley and nephew Keith; I very much wanted to stay and share their pain, there in their home.  But all of us knew that these journeys of grief must be taken alone.  (Not that other people don't help; they do.  It can help tremendously to be in the company of one who cares and loves.)  But the internal work of grief is just that -- a work of inner transformation that each of us must undertake as individuals-in-relationship. I can't do it for them.

I know they'll be fine; they are fine.  And I know that it's through the pain that true joy can be made known.  Christ shows us that.  Still, part of me wishes they didn't have to go through any pain at all.  I'm praying that even in the midst of heartache they'll be able to sense God's loving and gracious presence with them, sustaining and healing them.

I pray the same for each of you who are experiencing the death of a loved one, the death of an old way of being, the death of a marriage/partnership, or whatever it is that causes you the pain of loss.  May you know God's strong and vibrant tenderness.

With you on the journey,

Pastor Katherine

Neighborhood Independence Day Parade

Saturday, July 3rd - Volunteers are needed for hospitality as the church's parking lot becomes the parade route staging area. Direct guests to the water fountains and restrooms, serve water and cookies, provide general support. We will gather at 9:00 to set up some tables, chairs and coolers.

Stay after the parade clean-up for a birthday celebration for Pastor Dave.

Fair Trade Coffee

Thanks to all for supporting the Youth Scholarship Fund with your coffee, tea, and chocolate purchases. There will be no more chocolate ordered until October. If you find your favorite coffee missing see Linda Bavousett.

Our Website

Have you seen our wonderful website? If not, go to www.fwfccucc.org and take a look around! This website was developed under the direction of Josh Harmon and now being updated by Loren Baxter. If you have any ideas you wish to share (or any special photos for the website), please forward them to Loren at Basslor@gmail.com.

Announcing: The FCC Profile, Third Edition 

It's past the deadline-but we're waiting for YOU to turn in your survey. Please pick up a form from the office and turn it in as soon as possible if you have not done so (or give to Lynn Barber.)

A Post-Wedding Shower June 27

Don't forget the post-wedding shower for Jeremy and Piage! It'll be Sunday, June 27 immediately following our 10 a.m. worship service. They are registered at Target, www.target.com, and at Bed, Bath & Beyond, www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

Search for "Paige Kimmel" or "Jeremy Duke."

2nd Annual Talent & Craft Show

HOLD THAT DATE - 2nd Annual Talent & Craft Show - Sunday, August 8th after church. Also, please be thinking about which talent or craft you'd like to share with us.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Update

The needles keep clicking along. Since May 2004 over 400 shawls, chemo caps, and baby shower gifts have been made and given to church members, families or friends going through stressful or significant times in their lives. There is also a congregational mega-sized shawl created by Janet Tyson that can encompass us all.

Members of the congregation, friends and relatives have contributed to the knitting, crocheting, donations of supplies, gift bags, etc. We meet the 1st Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Family Room off the sanctuary and everyone is welcome to join. Please let us know if there is someone you feel would like to receive a prayer shawl.

Keep in Your Prayers

We continue to pray for....Susan H, Slavomir B, Charlie P, Marilyn C, Donna L,   Anita J, Shreya S,  Calvin T., Ernest G., Lorene B., Mary K., Dennis F., Herb C., Dorothy McN. and Howard McN.

Parish Notes

We express our Christian Sympathy to the family of Howard McCullough. He passed away May 9th. He was a long-time member of our church and volunteered many, many hours mowing the church lawn. Also, he was in charge of preparing the candles for our Christmas Eve Service each year for many years.

We congratulate Jerri Cunningham who graduated from North Texas University. She received her bachelor's and master's degree in accounting. She plans to continue work to become a CPA.

Keep Mary Kamm in your prayers. She recently had knee replacement surgery. She continues with re-hab.

We congratulate Jo-Lou and Peter Gaupp. They will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 4th.

Dorothy Blackman's cousin, Glenn Howze, passed away this week. The service will be held in Monahans, Texas. We are saddened for Dorothy's loss.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS

Loaves and Fishes

Just a reminder, that this Sunday, June 27th  we will dedicate our contributions to the South Central Alliance Food Pantry.  The food pantry needs all types of food, but requests proteins, such as canned meat, beans, and pastas.  Please bring your "multiplied loaves" to church on Sunday.

Westcliff Elementary: Our Neighborhood Mission

The 3rd annual Backpack and Clothing Drive benefiting the students at Westcliff Elementary School kicks off in July.  Approximately 80% of the students participate in the free and reduced-lunch program at Westcliff.  Susanne Renfrow, the school counselor, reports that many students do not have the required uniform and other items needed to begin the school year. 

Our goal is to contribute as many complete backpacks as possible for the Westcliff students. Sizes 6 - 14 are needed.   Each backpack will contain:

• 1 white or navy solid polo-style shirt (new or gently used)
• 1 uniform bottom - navy, denim or khaki pants for boys or girls. Or 1 jumper for girls.  Jeans are fine as long as they are design free.
• New white socks (3-pack or more)
• New underwear (3-pack or more)

Look for the poster in the social hall with the stickers under the items. Take a sticker and place it under the items you are contributing.  If you would like to contribute an entire backpack, place a sticker for each item listed above.  This way we can identify items we are missing.

Place your contributions in the marked bin under the poster anytime in July.  Students most in need will receive the backpacks.  If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, mark these for Westcliff Clothing Drive in an envelope and place in the Sunday offering plate. For questions, contact Ann Cartwright or any Christian Service member.  Thank you for your generosity!

Reading Buddies

Reminder:  Westcliff Elementary still needs Reading Buddies during the school day.  These 30-minutes sessions spent reading to students are rewarding.  Contact Melissa Ashmore if you are interested.

We Care for our Church

Administrative News

It's past the deadline-but we're waiting for YOU to turn in your survey. Please pick up a form from the office and turn it in as soon as possible if you have not done so (or give to Lynn Barber.)

4th of July Parade Held on July 3rd

Our neighborhood association continues with the 4th of July Parade using our parking lot as a starting place. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 3rd. For those who participate please come at 9:00 a.m., to set up tables and chairs and help with hospitality. All are welcome!!

Friday, Food & Fun Folks

Friday, July 23rd, at 6:30 p.m., we will meet at the Bella Pasta & Pizza at 3548 South Hills Drive. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy this gathering. Please let the church office know by Thursday, July 22nd, if you are able to come. We just need to notify the restaurant how many there will be.

2nd Annual Talent & Craft Show

Do you sing, play an instrument, dance, juggle, tell stories, or do some other type of performance? If so, please fill out a volunteer form to be in our FCC talent show. The show on August 8th, after church beginning at about 11:00, will feature short (3 minutes or less) performances by those of you who volunteer

But wait! Are you someone who can't do (or doesn't want to do) any of these things, but instead you paint, crochet/knit, do wood working, bake special cakes, or do some other kind of art or craft? The talent show will also be a visual art and craft show, and we would also like you to volunteer for it. We will have tables for you to display your handiwork, and you will have a chance to tell us about it (briefly) at our talent and art/craft show. And for those of you whose art is a culinary art, we want you to bring a sample or two to show us all, and then to let it be tasted at the show.

If you have a talent and/or an art or craft and wish to participate in the show, please get a volunteer form from Lynn Barber or the church office and fill it out and return it to Lynn or the office by July 25th. We will put together a program and will publicize it before the event so all of you will know what to expect at the show. Whether you wish to volunteer or not, please put August 8th on your calendar and plan to attend what promises to be an entertaining and fun event! And there will be food.

Keep in Your Prayers

We continue to pray for.... Susan H, Slavomir B, Charlie P, Marilyn C, Donna L,   Anita J, Shreya S,  Calvin T., Lorene B., Mary K., Dorothy McN. and Howard McN.

Parish Notes

To the Congregational UCC Staff and members,

I wish to thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl. Also, to Rev. Barber, Katherine, and Cindy and others who sent cards and prayers helping me recover from knee replacement surgery. I've graduated part-time to the cane but I still have weeks of therapy. Thank you!

                                                                        Sincerely, Mary Kamm

We congratulate Catherine (Rina) Gonzaga who received her law degree from the University of Washington on June 13. Rina is the daughter of Ernest and Vickie Gonzaga and granddaughter of Tants and Helen Bernardez.

Congratulations to Donna Blackman who recently retired from teaching in the Fort Worth Independent School District.

A big thank you to Richard Hill for trimming the trees in the driveway! What a difference it makes for the traffic in and out of the parking lot. If you see Richard, give him a big "Thanks" as he put a lot of work into this project.

In Honor of the 50th Anniversary

of

Han and John Will

You are invited to a

Reception/Light Lunch at

First Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

4201 Trail Lake Drive

Fort Worth, Texas

on

July 11, 2010

immediately following the 10:00 a.m. worship

No gifts please unless it be a donation to your favorite nonprofit organization

It's Party Time!!

All are welcome on July 31st from 12 p.m.-?? for swimming, eating, playing and fellowship. Come and help Phil, Carol and Jackson Burnett break in their new house and pool! We will provide hamburgers and hot dogs with the fixin's and we will have tea and sodas and water. Wear your swimsuit, bring your honey and the kids and towels, a side to share and any adult beverages you would like. An RSVP would be greatly appreciated but come even if you didn't!

July Birthdays

1          D. Finley

4          D. Barber

6          C. Crowley          

8          K. Godwin

11        C. Finley

            A. Harmon

14        K. Weller

18        B. Muncy

            T. Wagoner

21        C. Fulton

            D. DeWitt

            Z. Cunningham

22        C. Crowley

24        L. Wagoner

26        M. Brown

28        J. Robb

29        H. C. Blakewell

30        D. Miller

31        B. Smith

Call the church office if you have not turned in your birth month and day.