Today is the 30th annual National Coming Out Day. Many congregations acknowledge this day in one way or another, with services, readings, or social justice projects.

Spiritual Exercises This month these suggested spiritual exercise are directly linked with the months Questions to Consider. Usually, we’re invited to look at the Questions and see where they take us intellectually or emotionally.  This month we are asked to let the questions lead us into action–into some real-life action...

To deepen your own exploration of this month’s theme, here are some questions for you to consider.  Remember — don’t treat them like “homework.”  You don’t need to engage every single one.  Instead, simply look them over and find the one that “hooks” you most.  Then let it take you on a ride.   Allow it to regularly...

President’s Report to the Congregation, September 2018 Adam Slate With the back-to-school season, the new year of activities at TJMC has begun in earnest. Earlier this month we celebrated Balloon Sunday with a wonderful intergenerational service, and last week we hosted a table at the Cville Pride Festival for the...

9-20-2018 Getting the Social Hall Doors Locked! Here’s a quick tip on getting the Social Hall Door to lock during this wicked spell of humidity!     ***************** Water! Many of us know about the ongoing issues of water intrusion in older buildings. Our church buildings are not exempt from...

Here are three videos you might consider watching as yet another way of engaging with this month’s theme.  [Note: A Lesson in Empathy was suggested as part of thhis month’s Spiritual Exercises, and Compassion and Kinship looks at the man (and the mission) behind the book Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion that...

Circle Dinners are coming the weekend of October 11-13. These are a chance for newcomers and longtime members to mingle at a small potluck dinner in congregants’ homes for a meal, conversation, and fun. Hosts are: Adam Slate & Kim Grover 6:30 on October 11 Valerie & Ken Chasen 6:00...

Looking for something to read?  Here are a few suggestions for books that might provide insight into the month’s theme of Kinship. Tattooson the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, Gregory Boyle As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles,...

What follows are some brief quotations on the theme of Kinship.  Perhaps one or more of them will speak to you, opening up a new way of playing with the idea.   “If everything is connected to everything else, then everyone is ultimately responsible for everything. We can blame nothing on...

To deepen your own exploration of this month’s theme, here are some questions for you to consider. Remember — don’t treat them like “homework.”  You don’t need to engage every single one.  Instead, simply look them over and find the one that “hooks” you most.  Then let it take you on a ride.   Allow it to regularly...