Extraordinary Time

It’s February already – that doesn’t seem possible.

When someone mentions February, we tend to think of the secular holidays during the month – Super Bowl Sunday, Presidents’ Day, and Valentine’s Day. OK, that last one was originally SAINT Valentine’s Day, but the contemporary celebrations don’t have much to do with religion. From a Protestant point of view, in fact, February is a kind of blank spot between Epiphany and Lent – part of “ordinary time” in the church calendar.

That doesn’t mean there’s going to be anything ordinary about this February at First Presbyterian. In fact, I’m going to go so far as to say this coming month will be extraordinary:

• I mentioned a while ago that I had set up a Pinterest account to display current and historic photos of the church campus and events. I’ve just added another Board –From Around the Web—filled with inspiring quotes from other “pinners.” Here’s just one example: “Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson. So, visit www.pinterest.com/1stpressuncity/ if you need a little lift in your day — and if you have a favorite Bible verse or other saying you’d like me to add, please let me know!
• In addition to being the day of “the big game,” February 2 is the date we will celebrate this year’s Souper Bowl of Caring. Please support the Men’s Fellowship in this worthwhile annual charity drive.
• We’ll be celebrating February birthdays on the third Sunday of this month rather than the second Sunday, to avoid a conflict with the Annual Congregational Meeting and Corporation Meeting. Come to fellowship on February 16 prepared to sing “Happy Birthday” to all the good folks who were born in February!
• This month’s Fellowship Dinner should be even more fun than usual because we’re inviting the neighbors and showcasing the talent of our Great Bells of Fire. It will be a few days after Valentine’s Day, but you can still show the handbell choir (and any visitors) a little love. February 19 at 5:00 pm in Swain Hall!
• February’s University of Life will feature our former interim pastor Rev. Dr. David Glenn Walker with a four-part discussion of “Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying.” Among other things, he will be talking about “the key to unlocking the flow of grace.” Don't miss this thought-provoking lecture series.

Love will be in the air this February, even though it may not be the kind promoted by Hallmark cards. Enjoy!

~Beth Mabee

“Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.” ~Andrew Murray