Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church
Midweek Update January 12, 2022

In this issue: Pastor’s Reflections, Zoom this Sunday, January mission, New Contact Info, 2021 Reports, Prayers & Blessings, Backwood’s Listening & Discernment team, New Art show

our identity is created by god…
being guided on sunday by isaiah 43, we heard again that who we are does not come from our histories, our bodies, our genetics, our stories, what we do, or even our thinking. we have been created and formed by the living and eternal source of love. and, i offered an acronym to help us remember who we truly are: r.i.p. we are radiant, innocent, and precious. the reason why knowing our identity is imperative is that when we are grounded in the truth, then our thinking and actions are grounded in the god’s grace, and we can be instruments of love. when we are not connected to our true identity, then our thinking and actions do not extend love….they might extend efficiency, control, safety, or any host of typical human behavior, but if we are not extending love. in fact, we are unconsciously actually calling for love, which means our best next step is to come back to god. and this is our walk together–to observe ourselves, without judgment, and choose again to follow the holy spirit, because we know that her path is the only one that leads to peace. so, dear ones, arise! shine! may we be who god created us to be! ~pastor luna
*The art at top is from Connie Howe-Viemetti from her sermon doodles last Sunday.

Zoom Worship THIS Sunday, January 16
Reminder this Sunday, January 16th, we will gather on Zoom for worship. If you need assistance in setting up Zoom on a home device, please let Pastor Luna know. She is happy to virtually meet with you during the week to make this a smooth transition!

January Mission: Angelie Ryah
The January Mission Focus is the work that our own Angelie Ryah is involved with in Southern California. Belong Farms is an organization that works to provide gardens which produce fresh, organic produce for low income families at the Mexico/US border. Healing Hands Garden is Angelie’s baby, and it’s been created right in a food desert of a Southern California neighborhood. Besides providing healthy food, the garden has created community in the form of health education, cooking classes and Spanish/English practice groups.
Angelie will be joining our Zoom worship THIS SUNDAY, January 16, to provide more details and to explain about their need for funds. This is such a great cause; the mission group hopes you will feel generous in your January mission giving. You can donate online at the EPC website, or leave a check at the church. Thanks!!

New Address or Phone Info?
Have you moved or changed phone numbers or any other contact information during 2021? We would love to be able to contact you in the best ways possible, so please send any new contact info to EPC Office Manager Krysta at epchurch2149@gmail.com. Thanks!

2021 Year-End Reports
If you are involved in any part of EPC’s life and ministry, please consider writing a brief synopsis of 2021 for the Annual Report booklet and email it to Pastor Phil or the church office. Areas that could use a report include: Worship, Music, Backwoods, Building & Grounds, Mission, Finance, Personnel. Thank you for the reports that are coming in!

Prayers and Blessings
• Prayers for the family of Dave Roush, EPC participant since last August, who died suddenly in his home at the end of last week. Dave’s son-in-law and daughter were so grateful for the storytelling and remembrance time we had in worship last Sunday. The family is still figuring out details around a possible memorial service.
• Warner Gunsell left a message on the church phone, which said in part: o “Happy new year to everyone at the church! My best emotions from me to you. I wish you all the best of luck in the coming year.” Thanks Warner!

Backwood’s Listening and Discernment team
we are moving into a new chapter with our backwoods as more interest is being generated in using the space. i would value gathering with people who will be willing to pray and listen for language for articulating the purpose, intention, and mission of the backwood spaces. maybe we’d even hear a name come for the spaces-who knows?!?! if this conversation holds interest for you, please speak with pastor luna within the next few weeks.

New Art Show: Audrey Carlson
Next Monday, we will hang art by Audrey Carlson, Deb’s daughter, so we have new art to greet us when we return to the sanctuary! This means that our Advent Art Show donations need to be removed. If you can pick up your own art before 10am next Monday, January 17, that would be ideal. Otherwise, we will store any art pieces that we remove in the church office.