Religious Education Corner
Given the current mood circling ‘round the country, I find myself wondering what Abraham Lincoln might have penned for his presidential Christmas message. Then again, I suppose he didn’t have a chance for one compelling reason, that being that Christmas did not actually become a national holiday until 1870—five years after his untimely death.
Given his sentiments regarding slavery, Lincoln might have expressed profound sympathy for the hardships faced by those still enslaved during this otherwise joyful and generous season.
Revisiting Lincoln today seems quite reasonable because, like Abe, we need to look beyond backdoor dealmakers and overreaching technocrats and put some hope and faith into a future featuring a bit less upheaval. Visionaries at the national level are in fearfully short supply these days, so I’m venturing out on a limb to imagine what Lincoln’s message might have been... abbreviated, of course, in recognition of shorter attention spans since the mid-nineteenth century!
“In a season that would, in better times, resonate with some semblance of peace, goodwill and hope, we must still acknowledge the despair prevalent among so many. We must take solace, however, in recognizing that we live in a nation founded a mere hundred or so years ago [remember, this is Lincoln speaking] on the principles of fairness and equality.
“So today, I ask you to stay steadfast in the knowledge that good still conquers evil, that truth still triumphs over falsehood. Be patient in these dark days and be compassionate toward those less fortunate. It is my fondest hope that these uncertain times are but a momentary wrinkle in the fabric of our nation. May you anticipate peace as we look ahead.”
Thank you, Abe, for allowing me to ghost-write your holiday message. Julie Miller, DRE
Just Around the RE Corner . . .
December 17th, 9:30am - Noon, Pageant Dress Rehearsal, Eliot Hall
December 18th, Childcare only 9 & 11am Services, Room 109. Pageant at the 11am Service. Pageant participants—please arrive between 10-10:15am.
December 21st, Solstice Service at 6pm followed by dinner in Eliot Hall
December 25th, one service only at 11:00 am, no RE classes; no childcare available
January 1st, one service only at 11:00 am, no RE classes; childcare will be available
LAST WEEK! LGBT youth in the Salt Valley are often at risk, especially those in the foster care system. Our High School youth are collecting books with and about LGBT characters to donate to the Salt Lake County youth group homes this month. Having books about characters like them is very important in affirming these youth. Please grab a flyer at the RE table in Eliot Hall that has a list of the most requested titles. King's English Bookstore will offer a 10% discount for mentioning our church when shopping. Please return books to the box in Eliot Hall before December 18th. See Nancy Moos () with any questions.
It's not too late! Solstice is upon us! Please join in our annual celebration and fundraising Chili Dinner on December 21st. Service will be at 6, with dinner in Eliot Hall following at 7. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids up to 12 years (2 and under free) and a family of 5 price of $35. Tickets will be on sale beginning this week following service. Don't wait too long, this event always sells out! Proceeds benefit our youth travel budgets for service and heritage trips. Tickets also available online.