Camp Calumet | As part of our conversations about our ministry for the upcoming year, Council identified three priorities. One priority area is deepening our relationships – with God, with each other, and with people beyond our walls. 

The Calumet retreat hits all three areas of this priority! It is a time to reflect and worship in the beauty of God’s creation (from the windows or out in the full of it!). It is a time to get to know other members from a different perspective and to have fuller conversations with the blessing of time. And it is a perfect time to invite people who have never experienced our community to check us out. As one member said, “who knew we were such a fun group!”

Please consider coming with us to Calumet for the weekend of January 19-22! There’s no pressure to participate in anything, but you’ll be welcome to participate in everything, whether you want to socialize in the main lounge or find a cozy private spot to curl up with a book, whether you want to try out the snowshoes or stay cozy by the fire! If you need a ride, we’ll find one for you! If the expense is an issue, we can help.

There are several different housing options and now every room in the conference center has a private bathroom! Don’t delay! Send your reservation and deposit to Calumet now!

Questions? Talk with Celeste Larson, Lisa Eck, Dave Ripp, Martha Cronin, or George Hall. We’ll see you there!

Download the Registration Form for Camp Calumet.

Christmas in California | Andy Carlson can’t make it home to spend Christmas with his family this year, so he made them a special recording of Christmas music. You can listen here!

Offering Envelopes | Envelopes for those who have asked for them will be in the narthex for pick up for the next few weeks.  If you don't see your name on a box and would like envelopes, please let the office know or you can email Carol Virshbo.

Last Sunday's Service Recording | Visit our YouTube page in case you missed last Sunday's service (12/24 Christmas Eve).

Music Notes | Don’t put away those Christmas carols yet! This Sunday, the First Sunday after Christmas, we have fine “set list” that includes “Once in royal David’s city,” “Hark! The herald angels sing,” “It came upon a midnight clear,” “In the bleak midwinter,” “The First Noel,” and “Go, tell it on the mountain.” The singing will have a jazz flavor, with Ross Petot leading the music of the service from the piano!

Be sure to salute our singing and playing musicians for their leadership during Advent and Christmas and for their extra measure of commitment to preparing music for our services.

Tom Berryman

Music Director

Family Promise Support Week: January 1 - 4, 2024 | CLC is providing support for Family Promise’s shelter families the week of January 1 - 4, 2024. Please sign up on CERVIS to prepare and drop off dinners or to assist in grocery shopping. 

$25.00 gift cards to Walmart, Target, and Stop and Shop, placed in the collection plates on Sunday, 12/31, will be gratefully received. 

For more information, visit the website or get in touch with CLC FPM coordinators Mary Avalos and Robin Hurst. Thanks to all for your continued support of this important ministry!  

Truth and Healing – a deeper understanding of our relationships with Indigenous Peoples | The Social Justice Committee invites you to learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery. This document, issued by Pope Alexander VI in 1493, was used as the legal foundation for taking the land of Indigenous people by Europeans, and as a justification by Christian missionaries for stripping native peoples of their culture.

On Sunday, January 7, we have invited Gail Coughlin, now an independent researcher at the University of Minnesota, to speak with us about the history of this document and how it continues to impact our relationships with Indigenous People. 

In preparation for her visit you might consider reading the book The Land is Not Empty by Sarah Augustine. 

Book Group | The first 2024 CLC Book Group meeting will be at 7:30 pm on Monday, January 15 via Zoom. We will discuss Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng.

Our Missing Hearts is an old story made new, of the ways supposedly civilized communities can ignore the most searing injustice. It’s about the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children, and the power of art to create change.

If you don’t already receive Book Group emails, contact Marianne Swenson for the zoom link.

January 1 - 4: Family Promise Support Week

Sunday, January 7 @ 11:30 am: Social Justice Committee

January 19 - 21: Camp Calumet Retreat Weekend