A whole lot of hard choices in life
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I'm intrigued by a message some thoughtful anonymous person posted on social media about which hard things we choose
In my own words, I'd put it this way:
~ Living selfishly has its challenges. Living spiritually has its challenges. Choose your challenge!
~ Being in control has its challenges. Giving up control has its challenges. Choose your challenge!
The list could go on and on.
~ Doing the good and wise thing is not always easy, but neither is doing what is bad and stupid! And the Lord allows us the freedom to choose which difficult course to take.
This week we have had two very hard things happen. On Monday morning, we "said goodbye" to our dear friend Betsy Gladish who suddenly entered the fullness of her spiritual life after only eight days of sickness. It's so hard to have her gone from our immediate presence. And yet it's hard not to feel joy for her in this new chapter of life. I go back and forth between choosing which hard feeling I focus
on.
Secondly, our country is going through hard political times with the break-in of the Capital building, loss of life, and the temporary disruption of the general election certification process. It's hard to watch such conflict, and it's hard to keep up our resilience and hope. Choose which "hard."
Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths,
and lead me in your truth.
Psalm 25:4
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As we begin a new year and the last six months of my role as your current pastor, I just want to remind you that Elise and I are not leaving until July! We're still very much present and active, and there is a LOT to do for the continuing health of Sunrise Chapel! So please stay active with us.
And I don't say this flippantly - I love being your pastor. Elise and I are always eager to talk with you. Please let us know what we can do for you, and let us know what YOU would like to do to help Sunrise Chapel help more people.
Blessings,
Nathan
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TONIGHT Friday, January 8 from 4:30-6:30 pm
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Sunrise Chapel, the Memorial Garden, and the Labyrinth all open for prayer, candle lighting, putting up angel ornaments
“There are some who bring light so great to the world, that even after they are gone; their light remains” -Anonymous
Please feel free to come to Sunrise Chapel this Friday evening, January 8th, anytime from 4:30-6:30 PM (there will be no gathering or program).
NOTE: please bring and wear your own face mask
~ Light a candle in the Memorial Garden in honor of Betsy Gladish and Frank Rose. They were such bright lights in our world. We will have candles on hand, or you can bring your own.
~ The Chapel will also be open for prayer, with candlelight and soft music. Only a few people will be in the Chapel at a time.
~ The labyrinth will be gently lit, for any who would like to walk the path.
~ In honor of other loved ones, we will also be putting up the angel ornaments from our Christmas Angel tree in the trees of the memorial garden. If you want, feel free to bring additional angel ornaments to add to the angel memory trees there.
Thank you to Christine Morey, Linda Waddell, and Elise Gladish for helping facilitate this special time.
~Nathan
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Celebration of Life for Betsy Barnitz Gladish Saturday, January 16
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In 2009, Betsy thoughtfully wrote down some wishes for the inevitable time when she would leave this world and enter the fullness of her spiritual life. She emphatically stated that she wanted it to be a "Celebration of Life"!
In the spirit of her love and joy, a service will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 2:00 PM (MT) and will be livestreamed on our You Tube channel (see links above). In-person attendance at the Chapel will be private for family only (and a small set of volunteer helpers). There will be an online "gathering" afterwards via Zoom.
More details will be circulated within a couple of days.
Nathan
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Last Sunday's topic ~ this week's Task
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Here is the task from the first Sunday of 2021 on the theme of new beginnings. If you want the backstory, check out the service on our You Tube channel.
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New "Introduction to the New Church" Small Group
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I am eager to offer "New Church Foundations" to anyone by Zoom starting on Monday January 11 at 2:00 pm. This course, written by Frank Rose, covers the waterfront of theological topics that make the New Church Christianity unique. It also offers the opportunity to understand the history and current state of the church organization.
One of the things I love about this course is the opportunity for everyone to ask any questions, no matter how introductory they may seem.
Also, it's great for first-timers as well as a great refresher for anyone who wants a second go-round.
WHEN - 2:00-3:30 pm Mondays, starting January 11
HOW - by Zoom (with in-person option by prior arrangement)
WHO - me and you!
Please contact me soon to let me know you are interested!
Nathan
nathan@sunrisechapel.org cell/text 520-820-5148
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Your financial support is greatly needed!
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Please consider Sunrise Chapel in your charitable giving
This year, our income for the operations of our church is about 35% less than normal.
If you haven't been giving because of not attending in person, please consider setting up a recurring gift through your banking preference.
Thank you to everyone who gives any amount!
Every church organization has many financial obligations, but the most important thing your gift supports is the opportunity to gather locally either in-person or online to develop meaningful relationships with the Lord and one another. Sunrise Chapel relies on the generosity and dedication of donors to keep the various uses and ministries going.
When you give an unrestricted gift to Sunrise Chapel's General Operating Fund, you are supporting this spiritual community as well as our down-to-earth efforts to serve more people.
Thank you for considering Sunrise Chapel in your charitable giving
If you write a check, make it to Sunrise Chapel.
The PayPal button above takes you to an option for either a one-time or a monthly donation.
Thank you from our Treasurer, Bill Smith
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Your church home for partnering with the Lord and each other in the practice of cultivating spiritual growth and choosing heavenly joy
www.sunrisechapel.org
nathan@sunrisechapel.org Office 520-298-1245
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