This Sunday the church celebrates Trinity Sunday.  Many a preacher is tempted to flex their personal “concept of the Doctrine of the Trinity” muscle this Sunday, attempting to clearly interpret the Christian faith’s most confusing dogma. It could be many a person will skip church this Sunday, for that very reason.  I once took a swing at it, comparing the “three persons of God” to 3-in-1 oil – that little black, and white, and red can with a red dispenser on top, it “Cleans, Lubricates, and Protects.”  The Father forgives (cleans) us of our failures, the Son loosens (lubricates) our burdens, and the Holy Spirit (protects) us.  (It didn’t go over well the first time either.)  I don’t claim to understand it, the Doctrine of the Trinity.  As we say, “It is what it is.” And what it is is hope – hope.  Join us this Sunday for worship (8 and 10 a.m.) and hear more.

Often, I suppose, it is more uncomplicated to imagine a Holy Spirit living, and breathing, and moving among us (here on earth) than it is thoroughly understanding we share our earthly space with Jesus and God as well.  The reason I assume that could be true is all too often we attempt to conjure up images of God and Jesus in some sort of human form, (expect them to show up in the same manner) yet we accept the Holy Spirit as without human likeness with little disagreement.  That’s a good thing.  We’re on the right track.  Join us for worship this Pentecost Sunday at 8 or 10 a.m. and hear more.  Wear something red and plan to stay for pot-luck lunch! 

All are welcome to join us for worship services during Holy Week.

Join us for worship as we celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

In recognition of the Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a service of the Blessing of the Animals will be held on September 29^th at 10:00 a.m. on the front lawn of the church. You are welcome to bring your pet for a blessing, and invite your friends and neighbors to do so as well. Small animals and cats will probably be more comfortable in a pet carrier. Dogs should be on leashes, please, and if your pet would be more comfortable at home, bring a photograph for blessing. Photos of deceased pets can also be blessed.

All are welcome to join us for worship services during Holy Week.

This morning, Father Harrison offered the imposition of ashes on the sidewalk in front of the Garfield County courthouse in downtown Glenwood Springs. Forty-eight people stopped by to receive the ashes. Many circled the block in search of a parking place before returning to take part in the sacred ritual and receive a blessing.

Father Harrison offers the imposition of ashes.

Busy folks could stop by to receive ashes during their work day.

The Longest Night, an interfaith worship service offered by the ministers of the
Mennonite, Methodist, Lutheran (ELCA), Episcopal, and Congregational churches will be held at the United Methodist Church, Bethel Chapel, Glenwood Springs, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7:00 p.m. This gathering features a more quiet, reflective and candle lit space for those who may be living in the darkness of grief or loss during the Christmas season.

On Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m., join us for a Festival of Lessons and Carols. The event features choir, chamber orchestra, and carols for everyone to sing.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Christmas Eve service will be at 7:00 p.m. on December 24th. Bring the whole family for a beautiful evening of worship and song, including candle lighting.

Because Christmas falls on a Sunday, we will also have a quiet service (with no musical accompaniment) at 9:00 on Christmas morning.

Earlier this week, someone asked me how I manage to balance the secular vs. sacred characteristics of the Advent and Christmas season … I dabble in both, (I said) but of course I lean toward the sacred.  I sometimes believe people are counting on that, that I’m the other voice the verbal reminder of what we are really up to this time of year, each year, and I try to go about it gently so’s not to rub the merrymakers the wrong way.  I wondered, silently, if perhaps the “question ask-er” wishes to find  their balance, are there others who wish to balance the secular and sacred, especially this time of year? That’s what living abundantly is all about.  Well, when I think about it … that’s nuts! I wonder myself how I juggle and balance all that … why do I do that, preach and assure that the world will suddenly become “all is calm and all is bright,” that all the broken people will become whole and live abundantly as though Christmas really changes and fixes things, that God came and lived here as a human, to show us what God really intended for us.  The truth is, some are still waiting … and the waiting will continue after we celebrate what we are waiting for, waiting for this planet and its inhabitants to see God here … still waiting for aching hearts to steady … hoping, praying.  Come Jesus, come.