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A Note from the Pastor by Pastor Jessilou

                        De Colores – Sing of Colors

 

In our church hymnal on page 402 is a hymn we don’t sing. I know there are many hymns we don’t sing; I’ve been trying to insert a few of these unusual songs into our worship service every now and then. Sometimes I get a frown or a wrinkled-up nose as a response. But when you think about it, it’s probably a good idea to do this sometime, so that the words sink in, and are not just mouthed from memory. Anyway – the song I found this morning is entitled, “De Colores, Sing of Colors.”  It caught my eye for two reasons…..

 

First, the first verse is in Spanish. I’ve been chatting with the CEO of the Western NY Farm Workers Association this week, Ms. Sanchez. She’s collecting school supplies for the children of the migrant families who stay with us year-round. She’s Hispanic, as are most of these families. I’m grateful for these hard-working people and hope to connect with her with our donation.

 

Second, as I drive down the road, I notice the trees are starting to change colors. And I find myself anxiously looking forward to their bright hues and the cooler temperatures. This summer has been beastly hot and dry.  The autumn will bring relief and joy, as we look forward to the changing of the seasons once again. What a beautiful gift that is.

 

Sing of Colors.

 

God loves wondrous variety – as most of us know - but few of us really consider. The colors of the rainbow (displayed like splashes of paint on our new porch banner), the colors of the sky (it’s not always blue), the colors of flowers, fruits and vegetables (seen in our raised bed gardens from the church’s kitchen window), the colors of animal furs and feathers (soon to be celebrated on our Blessing of the Animals event), and the colors of all the people of the world. God truly loves wondrous variety.

 

So let me share now with you the lyrics of this unusual song, and consider it a prayer of thanks for this amazing world we live in.

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Sing of colors, sing of colors that over the hills in profusion are springing,

Sing of colors, of the birds that fly outside my window their canticles singing,

Sing of colors, in the rainbow’s bright colors, God’s promise of hope we recall,

Sing of colors that make up the earth and give thanks to the God who created us all.

Sing of colors that make up the earth and give thanks to the God who created us all.

 

AMEN

Pastor Jessilou

From the Moderator...

 I am learning more about our Church.  This is part of my role as moderator, to be a resource for our members.  Before our September Church Council meeting I reviewed the “Purpose of PGUCC” as listed in the general article of our constitution-Under section 1-

Purpose-the Parma Greece United Church of Christ is a spiritual body of followers of Jesus Christ that gather for meaningful worship, study and fellowship and is for all who desire to grow in faith while striving to serve God and or Neighbors near and far.

August anniversary celebrations included an outdoor worship and picnic,the Laura Dubin Trio concert, and collecting school supplies.  Reviewing our history with information about the Erie Canal and the Unearthing (not an easy job) of our time capsule from 30 years ago.  Thanks to Pastor Jessilou and other Church members for visiting our members and sharing meals. 

I see church as shouting “WELCOME”, from our new banner, painted and organized spaces and restoring beauty to our sanctuary.  May we as a group take a moment to breathe deeply and say thanks to ourselves and our community? To turn Jubilee Sunday (where church business takes a day off) to Jubilee week or days?  In this way, have more time to grow in Faith.  We are all serving the purpose of our church!

 

Wish list for PGUCC volunteers (more hands make lighter work)

  • Coffee hour helpers

  • Streaming of service (we can teach you and your smart phone)

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Thank you.

Loron Oster, Moderator

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