Keene Valley Congregational Church, UCC

Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group Beginning on Tuesday, April 28 @ 7 PM, the Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group will begin reading the Gospel of Mark. The shortest of the canonical gospels, and thought to be the earliest composed, Mark tells the story of Jesus in ways that can be surprising and unexpected. All are invited to join the discussion! Those attending should feel free to use any translation of Mark, but a study Bible would be helpful.

Join Us for Worship! This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of our Lenten journey with Jesus. Our teacher arrives in Jerusalem to a hero's welcome (Mark 11:1 - 11)! What is it about Jesus, and his message, that inspires such fervor? Does he have lasting power, or is he just a flash in the pan? Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome to join our online service. Immediately after worship, there will be a presentation on the proposed solar project, which will be v...oted on at a congregational meeting scheduled for Sunday, April 11. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Passcode: 202339 Link for the Bulletin:https://3dce5a16-c639-40d0-91e4-43a1af9139f0.filesusr.com/

FAITH AND ISSUES For Saturday March 27th we will begin reading "Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times" by Katherine May. Please read September and October - the first 61 pages. Katherine May opens up exactly what I and so many need to hear but haven't known how to name. Krista Tippett, On Being To join the discussion on Saturday, MARCH 27 @ 9 AM:... Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/665692700 Meeting ID: 665 692 700

Solar Project Proposal Below is the proposal to purchase an array of solar panels, and install them on the south-facing eave of the church sanctuary building. This proposal was developed by the Creation Justice Task Force, and unanimously approved by the Church Council on Tuesday, February 23. Two online information sessions will be offered to review the proposal, answer questions, and allow members and friends to voice their opinions about the project. These sessions are s...Continue reading

Centering Prayer The Centering Prayer meeting that was scheduled for this evening has been cancelled. There will be a meeting next Thursday, March 25th at 7:00pm. Creation Justice Church Task Force Meeting March 21, 2021... A meeting of the Creation Justice Church Task Force will be held this Sunday, March 21, following the Church Service. Stay on Zoom or, if you wish, sign on around 11am using the Zoom information for the 10am service. We will discuss a reorganization of the Task Force and the draft of a Creation Justice Church covenant, along with our other activities.

Join Us for Worship! This Sunday we continue our Lenten journey with Jesus to Jerusalem. And for the first time, we hear that some in Jesus' community plot to stop his ministry of compassion by destroying him (Mark 3:1 - 6). But can this kind of inhumanity ever work? What does our own experience tell us? Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome to join our online service. Immediately after worship there will be a check-in meeting for the Fasting Group. Join Zoom Meet...ing https://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Passcode: 202339 Link for the Bulletin http://1b5260_1a1672dc21ac41059de62f6690540e3d.pdf

FAITH AND ISSUES For Saturday, March 13 we will read Chapter 10 of Without Oars by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson. Description... "The way of the pilgrim begins with what we leave behind--not so much a journey to a holy place, but a holy practice of leaving the comforts of the familiar for a radical vulnerability, letting the very breath of God direct us on the unknown, stripped-down path of trust. In Without Oars, Wes Granberg-Michaelson blends history, storytelling, biblical insights, personal reflections, and spiritual formation in an inviting call to discover pilgrimage as a way of life. This book offers a unique perspective on the faith journey as an embodied practice of heading into the unknown a nd unknowable--with all the excitement, risk, and rewards that come with letting go."--Provided by publisher. To join the discussion on Saturday, MARCH 13 @ 9 AM: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/665692700 Meeting ID: 665 692 700 Creation Justice Notes Grant us the strength and vision to live into the dream you have for humanity. Help us become instruments of compassion, justice, mercy and love in a world that so desperately needs our light. (from the Iona Community.) On Thursday, March 11, grassroots people of diverse religions are rising to face the climate crisis. Check it out: (https://greenfaith.org/take-act/sacred-people-sacred-earth/) Bringing it down to the local level, as members of KVCC, we can join that historic effort, becoming instruments of love and justice, by convincing our elected state representatives to fund the comprehensive climate legislation passed by the New York state legislature last year. The Climate and Community Investment Act will invest money into communities, create green jobs, build a renewable economy and make polluters pay while protecting ratepayers. It is supported by more than 200 organizations across New York. For more information contact creation Justice Church Task Force member Katharine Preston. ([email protected]).

FAITH AND ISSUES For Saturday, February 27 we will read Chapter 8 of Without Oars by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson. ... Description "The way of the pilgrim begins with what we leave behind--not so much a journey to a holy place, but a holy practice of leaving the comforts of the familiar for a radical vulnerability, letting the very breath of God direct us on the unknown, stripped-down path of trust. In Without Oars, Wes Granberg-Michaelson blends history, storytelling, biblical insights, personal reflections, and spiritual formation in an inviting call to discover pilgrimage as a way of life. This book offers a unique perspective on the faith journey as an embodied practice of heading into the unknown and unknowable--with all the excitement, risk, and rewards that come with letting go."--Provided by publisher. To join the discussion on Saturday, FEBRUARY 27 @ 9 AM: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/665692700 Meeting ID: 665 692 700

Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group - UPDATE For some, the 7 skills of resilience related to the questions for this week's discussion were not viewable in last Thursday's church email. Here is the list again in typed format. Seven Skills of Resilience (from Psychology Today)... 1. Cultivate a belief in your ability to cope. 2. Stay connected with sources of support. 3. Talk about what you are going through. 4. Be helpful to others. 5. Activate positive emotion. 6. Cultivate an attitude of survivorship. 7. Seek meaning.

Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group In support of the Creation Justice Church initiative, the Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group is sponsoring a reading of Climate Church, Climate World: How People of Faith Must Work for Change, by Rev. Jim Antal. The discussion continues on Tuesday, February 2 @ 7 PM, via Zoom. We will cover Chapters 2 and 3, focusing on the following two questions: From Chapter 2:... Spend a day immersed in gratitude. Let it be an ordinary day - keeping your normal calendar and commitments - but focus your inner voice on gratitude as much as you possibly can. Be guided by wonder and uplifted by awe. After the group has shared with one another their various experiences and what it was like, ask one another why don't we spend all our waking hours immersed in gratitude? From Chapter 3: If Religion is perhaps the best - and possibly the only - aid which has the power and promise to restore a right relationship to God and creation, what might be a next step your congregation could take to move your community in that direction? All members and friends are invited to join in this important conversation. From the Amazon review: "Climate Church, Climate World argues that climate change is the greatest moral challenge humanity has ever faced. Hunger, refugees, poverty, inequality, deadly viruses, war - climate change multiplies all forms of global social injustice. Environmental leader Reverend Jim Antal presents a compelling case that it's time for the church to meet this moral challenge, just as the church addressed previous moral challenges. Antal calls for the church to embrace a new vocation so future generations might live in harmony with God's creation." Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83928883318 Meeting ID: 839 2888 3318 Passcode: 177827 Screen Shot 2021-01-06 at 9.48.51 AM.png

Join Us for Worship! This Sunday, we hear the story of Jesus' first work of power in the Gospel of Mark - the exorcism of a man possessed by a demon (Mark 1:21 - 28). What does our own experience tell us might be missing from this story? How might we append the narrative to reflect what we know from our lives? Let's explore these questions together! Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome to join our online service. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9149018...31 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Passcode: 202339 Dial In: +1 929 205 6099 US Link for the Bulletin:https://3dce5a16-c639-40d0-91e4-43a1af9139f0.filesusr.com/

The Creation Justice Church Task Force will meet after the Church service this Sunday, February 21. We will discuss our latest activities including recommendations for supporting advocacy efforts and researching solar energy alternatives. Join with Adirondack Environment Organizations to Lobby New York State Leaders for Adirondack Priorities... This lobby day is a great way to bring your passion about protecting the Adirondack Park to environmental leaders in the State Legislature and to your elected representatives in the State Senate and State Assembly. It’s vital that these environmental leaders see fresh faces and hear fresh voices about the pressing budget needs, critical legislation, and the major environmental challenges facing the Adirondack Park. February 25-26, 2021 A virtual event at the State Capitol, Albany, NY

Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group Chooses Its Next Book! In support of the Creation Justice Church initiative, the Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group will sponsor a reading of Climate Church, Climate World: How People of Faith Must Work for Change, by Rev. Jim Antal. The discussion will begin on Tuesday, January 26 @ 7 PM, and be held via Zoom. For the first week we will cover the Foreword, Preface, Acknowledgements, Introduction, and Chapter 1. All members and frie...nds are invited to join in this important conversation. From the Amazon review: "Climate Church, Climate World argues that climate change is the greatest moral challenge humanity has ever faced. Hunger, refugees, poverty, inequality, deadly viruses, war - climate change multiplies all forms of global social injustice. Environmental leader Reverend Jim Antal presents a compelling case that it's time for the church to meet this moral challenge, just as the church addressed previous moral challenges. Antal calls for the church to embrace a new vocation so future generations might live in harmony with God's creation." Time: Jan 26, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Every week on Tue, until Mar 9, 2021, 7 occurrence(s) Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZckdeGgpjgpG9z1CUFzAerbVYkQ/ics Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83928883318 Meeting ID: 839 2888 3318 Passcode: 177827

FAITH AND ISSUES For Saturday, January 30 we will read Chapter 4 of Without Oars by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson. Description... "The way of the pilgrim begins with what we leave behind--not so much a journey to a holy place, but a holy practice of leaving the comforts of the familiar for a radical vulnerability, letting the very breath of God direct us on the unknown, stripped-down path of trust. In Without Oars, Wes Granberg-Michaelson blends history, storytelling, biblical insights, personal reflections, and spiritual formation in an inviting call to discover pilgrimage as a way of life. This book offers a unique perspective on the faith journey as an embodied practice of heading into the unknown and unknowable--with all the excitement, risk, and rewards that come with letting go."--Provided by publisher. To join the discussion on Saturday, January 30 @ 9 AM: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/665692700 Meeting ID: 665 692 700

FAITH AND ISSUES For Saturday, January 23rd we will read Chapter 3 of Without Oars by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson. ... Description "The way of the pilgrim begins with what we leave behind--not so much a journey to a holy place, but a holy practice of leaving the comforts of the familiar for a radical vulnerability, letting the very breath of God direct us on the unknown, stripped-down path of trust. In Without Oars, Wes Granberg-Michaelson blends history, storytelling, biblical insights, personal reflections, and spiritual formation in an inviting call to discover pilgrimage as a way of life. This book offers a unique perspective on the faith journey as an embodied practice of heading into the unknown and unknowable--with all the excitement, risk, and rewards that come with letting go."--Provided by publisher. To join the discussion on Saturday, January 23 @ 9 AM: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/665692700 Meeting ID: 665 692 700

Celebrate Advent and Christmas at Keene Valley Congregational Church Come and celebrate the birth of the Christ child! Throughout November, December and January there are many ways to prepare for, and celebrate Christmas at our church. Following is a calendar listing the different events being offered. Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held via Zoom, with meeting info provided in the twice-weekly church emails. ...Continue reading

Greetings! We are about to enter the season of waiting and preparation called Advent. It is a time of expectation of the coming of Jesus. In this spirit, we open our church email today with an excerpt from W. H. Auden's poem, For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio. Mary, in a dream of love... Playing as all children play, For unsuspecting children may Express in comic make-believe The wish that later they will know Is tragic and impossible; Hear, child, what I am about to tell: Love wills your dream to happen, so Love's will on earth may be, through you No longer a pretend but true. Join Us for Worship! This Sunday, we light the first Advent candle and begin our journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of the Christ Child. We hear a strange story of signs in heaven, but our spiritual ancestors tell us not to be afraid (Mark 13:24 - 37). We are on the cusp of great blessing! Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome to join our online service. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Passcode: 202339 Dial In: +1 929 205 6099 US Here is the link to the Bulletin: https://3dce5a16-c639-40d0-91e4-43a1af9139f0.filesusr.com/

Faith and Issues For next week, November 21, we will read an article about "Two Modern Christian Mystics: Simone Weil and Thomas Merton found here: https://www.sgm.org.nz//two_christian_mystics_-_joyce_bude Beginning on Saturday November 28, we will begin reading No Man is an Island by Thomas Merton. A recapitulation of his earlier work Seeds of Contemplation, this collection of sixteen essays plumbs aspects of human spirituality. Merton addresses those in search of endur...ing values, fulfillment, and salvation in prose that is, as always, inspiring and compassionate. "A stimulating series of spiritual reflections which will prove helpful for all struggling to...live the richest, fullest and noblest life" (Chicago Tribune). To join the discussion on Saturday, November 28 @ 9 AM: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/665692700 Meeting ID: 665 692 700

The Creation Justice Church Task Force will meet after the Church service Sunday, November 22nd to discuss the status of our initiative. All are welcome to attend.

Join Us for Worship! This Sunday, we welcome guest worship leader the Rev. Susie Allen who will be sharing a message entitled A Word of Comfort. Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome to join our online service. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831... Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Passcode: 202339 Dial In: +1 929 205 6099 US Here is the link to the Bulletin https://3dce5a16-c639-40d0-91e4-43a1af9139f0.filesusr.com/

Greetings! We open our church news today with a poem about love by the poet Hafez: The subject tonight is Love... And for tomorrow night as well, As a matter of fact I know of no better topic For us to discuss Until we all Die! Join Us for Worship! Tina Turner, in one of her greatest musical hits, asks us, "What's love got to do with it?" This Sunday, we hear Jesus' response. He tells us that love has everything to do with it, that love has everything to do with everything in our lives (Matthew 22:34 - 40). Come hear the greatest commandment, and share what place it has in your life. The Bulletin may be found here:https://3dce5a16-c639-40d0-91e4-43a1af9139f0.filesusr.com/ Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome to join our online service.

Join Us for Worship! This week we will hear one of the most recognizable of Jesus' sayings: give to Caesar what is his, but give to God what is God's (Matthew 22:15 - 22). But what is Jesus really inviting us to give God? And how do we do it? In the answer to these questions we may find that Jesus is asking us to radically reimagine the purpose of our lives, and our place in the world. Come, hear the good news! Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome to join our onli...ne service. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Passcode: 202339 Dial In: +1 929 205 6099 US

Blessing the Animals On Saturday, October 10 @ 3 PM there will be a simple service to bless the animals that have a deep and meaningful place in our lives, and also mementos of animals that are deceased. The service will take place on the front lawn of the church, rain or shine. Those attending are asked to observe social distancing guidelines, and wear a mask. All are invited to bring your furry, feathered, and scaly friends for this fun and family-friendly moment of grace!

The Autumnal Equinox - a time of equal day and equal night - balance. Keene Valley Congregational Church invites our community to welcome the beginning of fall by participating in our online Vespers Service. Through meaningful readings, beautiful music, and a short yet peaceful time to be in silence, all are encouraged to enter the new season in stillness and prayer. We also invite you to have a candle that you can light as we light ours. Because this service is recorded, you can access it at anytime you need a moment of stillness.

Join Us for Worship! This Sunday we mark Father's Day by hearing the story of Joseph, who is asked to take on the sacred roll of being a father to Mary's child. This sacred experience of fatherhood continues into our lives, and we hear from members and friends of our church as they share the holy experience of being fathers, and having fathers. Worship via Zoom begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome. Sunday's bulletin can be accessed here: https://3dce5a16-c639-40d0-91e4-43a1...af9139f0.filesusr.com/ Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831?pwd=SHREMGxvUnFWM3h4OVNRRGxwTmxTUT09Meeting ID: 914 901 831Password: 202339Dial by your location+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)Meeting ID: 914 901 831Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keHz16mms

Town of Keene Pride Parade Today @ 11 AM KVCC and the Keene Valley Library will co-host Keene Township's first LGBTQIA Pride Parade! The parade will begin in the parking lot of Keene Central School and progress down Route 73 to the Community Center in Keene. Those interested in participating in the parade can add their vehicle to the procession, which will begin organizing at KCS at 10 AM.

Join Us for Worship! "There are never any endings, only new beginnings." These words express a powerfully optimistic approach to life, but can we really embrace them? This Sunday we hear the story of Jesus decisively leaving his disciples (Acts 1:6 - 9) and wonder how it could be a new beginning. And we ask what hope can this story give us, people who live in a world of pandemic, where so much of what we have known has come to an end? Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are ...welcome. Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Password: 202339 Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keHz16mms

Join Us for Worship! This week we share the story of Jesus preparing his disciples for when he leaves them (John 14:15 - 21). They're anxious, and confused, and uncertain. But he tells them not to worry because he will remain with them in spirit. These are words which might just help us in our anxious, and confused, and uncertain time. Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/914901831?pwd=SHREMGxvUnFWM3h4OVNRRGxwTmxTUT09Mee...ting ID: 914 901 831Password: 202339 Dial by your location+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)Meeting ID: 914 901 831Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keHz16mms

Join Us for Worship! We continue sharing stories of resurrection in this Easter season with a reading from the Gospel of Philip, a gospel that never made it into the New Testament. And it's easy to see why because of its unorthodox perspective. Philip tells us that resurrection is open to all of us, and is to be experienced in this life, and not after death. Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome. We continue to offer online worship via Zoom. A link to an online tut...orial providing basic information about how to access a Zoom meeting is provided below. Topic: Keene Valley Congregational Church Sunday WorshipTime: May 3, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Password: 202339 Dial by your location - This option can be used if you are having difficulty connecting to the online meeting via computer +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adqdux3nsi

Join Us for Worship! This Sunday our celebration of the Resurrection continues with a telling of the story of disciples meeting a strange and wise teacher on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13 - 35). It is only when they break bread with the stranger that they finally recognize it is the risen Jesus who has been with them the entire time. This is the perfect story to prepare us for celebrating Communion online for the first time! Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome. T...opic: Keene Valley Congregational Church Sunday Worship Time: May 3, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Password: 202339 Dial by your location - This option can be used if you are having difficulty connecting to the online meeting via computer +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adqdux3nsi Online Tutorial: https://support.zoom.us//201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-

Can We Help? If you experience challenging circumstances in your life during the COVID19 pandemic please think of Keene Valley Congregational Church as a place that might be able to provide help and support through identifying neighbors with special skills, or focused financial grants. If you are in need of assistance, please feel free to reach out to Pastor John.

This Sunday, Katharine Preston will join us as our guest worship leader, and share a reflection entitled "Outrageous Hope," based on John 20:19 - 29. Worship begins at 10 AM and all are welcome. We continue to offer online worship via Zoom. A link to an online tutorial providing basic information about how to access a Zoom meeting is provided below.... Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Password: 202339 Dial by your location - This option can be used if you are having difficulty connecting to the online meeting via computer +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Online Tutorial:https://support.zoom.us//201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-

Celebrate the Resurrection! Jesus the Christ is risen! Join us this Sunday for our celebration of Easter. Through song and story, prayer and the visual arts, we encounter God's great 'Yes!' that invites us to experience a vision of life grounded in hope, and unbounded by death. Worship begins at 10 AM, and all are welcome. We continue to offer online worship via Zoom. ... Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/914901831 Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Password: 202339 Dial by your location - This option can be used if you are having difficulty connecting to the online meeting via computer +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US Meeting ID: 914 901 831 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adqdux3nsi