“The New Year, like an Infant Heir to the Whole World, was waited for, with welcomes, presents, and rejoicings.” ~Charles Dickens
Yes, January has arrived, urging me to pack away my Christmas finery and don my 2017 “get back to work” attitude. But I find myself still awaiting the Epiphany, or the 12th day of Christmas, and so the decorations that were so lovingly hung with care seem to be resisting their placement back into their boxes. Sigh!
Let us begin…
Tuesday Tune-Ups Resumes January 3 – (Lectio, Starbucks and Community Evening Bible Study) – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. – St. John’s
“My yearly goal is a closer walk with the Creator and a spiritual awaken of my soul.” ~Lailah Gifty Akita
Well, that seems like a worthier resolution/goal for 2017 than getting my garage organized! If adding a little more spiritual awakening to your soul is one of your resolutions, one way of checking it off your list and into your life is by taking time on Tuesday for Lectio (5:30 p.m.); Starbucks (6:15); Bible Study (7 p.m.).
Tuesday evening starts at 5:30 with Lectio, which is expertly facilitated by Linda Allport. She does a wonderful job of picking a reading each week and gently leading us through a practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Afterwards everyone carpools to Starbucks for a quick refreshment and then it is back to St John’s for Community Evening Bible Study, led by Father John or Linda.
Please note that you can attend each individually as your schedule and time permits. If you would like more information, please contact Linda Allport, lsallport at cox.net or Father John at revjht at msn.com
Women’s Bible Study Resumes on Wednesday, January 11- 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
“I am busily engaged in the study of the Bible. I believe it is God’s word because it finds me where I am.” – Abraham Lincoln
The words of the bible speak to each of us differently, depending on where we are in our lives at any given moment. And the result of reading/discussing together is an opening of our ears and hearts to someone else’s perspective. Ours is a bible study group where all have a voice and all are involved.
As we begin this New Year of gatherings, we will start with the Beatitudes: The eight blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew 5:3-11. There are no study guides to be followed, no homework assignments to be completed, no tardies or absences recorded. Just bring yourself, your bible and you are officially enrolled.
If you would like to be added to my bible study email list, please let me know at djgomer at cox.net.
Women’s Sunday Movie & Dinner – January 15 – Movie, Time, Location TBA
“(Movies) allow us to enter other minds, not simply in the sense of identifying with the characters, although that is an important part of it, but by seeing the world as another person sees it.” ~Roger Ebert
The movie I am hoping to pick is Hidden Figures. It tells the true story of the African-American mathematician Katherine Johnson and her two colleagues, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, “who, while working in the segregated West Area Computers division of Langley Research Center, helped NASA catch up in the Space Race. Using their calculations, John Glenn became the first American astronaut to make a complete orbit of the Earth.”
Please contact DJ if you’d like to attend.
Book it On Mondays – January 30 – 7 p.m. – Loreen Guilford’s Home
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice…” ~T.S. Eliot
We have put away our books from 2016 to make room for new words from new voices. And while we are welcoming new books into our lives, we would like to welcome new women into our monthly group. You do not need to be a literary critic, scholar or boorish bibliophile to join : ) Just someone who enjoys reading and discussing. The beauty of our book list is discovering a new author, or rediscovering a forgotten classic, or sharing a favorite book with others.
We begin 2017 with a giant of a book, both in its scope, its characters and its title. Edna Ferber’s classic, Giant, takes on the expansiveness of Texas from the 1930’s through the 1950’s. The book was made into a screenplay in 1956 starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean.
Caregivers Support Group Meeting – Wednesday, January 25 – 6:30 p.m. – Bishop’s Room – St. John’s
“Of all the judgments we pass in life, none is more important than the judgment we pass on ourselves. ” ~Nathaniel Branden
You know when we often pass judgment on ourselves? When we are taking care of others. We tell ourselves we do not need to share our burden, our insights, or stories. Why? Because to give voice to it makes us sound as if we are complaining, whining, not grateful enough.
Each and every caregiver that attends our meetings loves those they care for – but sometimes caregiving can be tiring, overwhelming and frustrating. But when we discover those feelings are shared by others, that sense of judgment lifts – making space for us to find God’s grace once again in our caregiving. If you know anyone that is caring for another, please encourage them to join us. Everything shared is confidential and judgment is checked at the door ; )
For more information, please feel free to contact me at djgomer at cox.net
(& Then Some)
Women’s Lenten Retreat – February 18 – 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – $20 – St. Andrew’s Church – Irvine
And Finally,
“Perhaps that is where our choice lies — in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning.” ~Elana K. Arnold
As we look back at 2016 with tears for those we lost, joy for new born infants, and congratulations for our new Bishop, we look ahead with anticipation at 2017. May God’s strength be in our days, His wisdom in our choices.
Blessings in Abundance,