PCC News for Tuesday, November 11th:
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Image ID: In the UR Interfaith Chapel's Narthex, we see about 15 people sitting at table. (Is that an out of service sign next to the elevator?) Homemade brownies, crock pots of chili, and fresh salad line the opposite walls alongside the Sanctuary. The gathered community laughs and listens as PCC and Gates Presbyterian break bread following worship on the first snowy evening of the season.
o World! That was a really fun night. Joyous thanks to our team at Gates Presbyterian, we'll see you again for our Spring meal after the thaw.
For now? As the snow falls, let's find some contemplative-cozy work habits. Some PCC folks are going to perform in shows this week, so many of you are locked in to your studies as you juggle all the jobs.
Thank God for the weeks that breathe a bit. (God, be the air in our lungs!)
~ Chaplain Sam
Tonight: Music & Meaning deux
PRISM (Campus Center, 2050)
5:00 - 6:30ish
Let's finish up our playlist from last week!
I made a Chaplain executive decision (no discord poll required... this time.) to make today's session around the theme: "Songs to keep going."
We'll finish up another day! Today's for tenacity, grit, and resilience. Let's GO.
~*~* Christianity is Magic*~*~
As the snow falls... we'll keep it simple. (Or will we?)
A beloved clergy colleague-mentor -- Rev. Martha from Henrietta UCC -- referenced this song when we got tea yesterday, she had to do a last minute funeral last week and this song appeared before her as a healing balm. I listened to it with coffee this morning and had a good cry. Absolutely gorgeous.
One thing I love about Christian iconography and thematic material is that it can be equally applied to such a broad variety of interperetations. It's always paradoxically both-and. It's a bunch of stuff, everything everywhere all at once.
Yes, it's a wonderful Christological exploration, the resurrected Christ who is not yet born to this world calling out to us again and again.
And it's our dear departed souls still whispering after All Souls Sunday! They're with us, holding us close and keeping us honest.
But today, we're keeping it simple. Here's the summer sun inviting us to rest awhile and live well by the fire in this fresh snow:
Do not stand
By my grave, and weep,
I am not there,
I do not sleep--
I am the thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints in snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning's hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry--
I am not there,
I did not die.
(All love and gratitude to Clare Harner who wrote the poem.)
Coming Up:
- Want a fun, relaxing way to engage with PCC? Join on discord for geeky conversation, spiritual reflection, and new ways of thinking about faith.
- Join our lovely TABLE Community on Sunday nights for worship and dinner! Been collaborating a lot with Pastor Craig over the years, he's an amazing guy. If you're curious about details, PCC co-president Atticus can help.
- Drop-in Counseling is happening today! See you 2:30 - 4:00 at my office just off of Fireside Lounge. Put your name on the dry erase board and knock if you want to wait in line, can't wait to catch up.
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Our email address is: sjksrl@rit.edu
Chaplain Sam can be reached at: 714 299 8420 in case of emergency or for counseling appointments on Tuesdays.
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