Can you walk/bike/carpool to church 3X this summer? Our walk/bike/carpool to church day in April gave many of us a taste of how “slowing down” a simple trip to worship could change one’s day. For myself, I carpooled to the service with Peggy Harrison, who I am just getting to know, and had a chance […]
Steeple
Summer Education Plans
Greetings and Peace to you all from Christian Education! It is my fourth day on the job here as interim director, and I am so humbly grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the ministry we share with our youth and families. I am so happy to be a part of a church […]
Summer Music Plans
Following our final choir service of the year, someone said to me, “Now you get to start planning it all over again!” How astute they were, because as the choir takes a break for a few months, my work shifts to a heavier focus on the administrative planning that will alleviate autumnal stress as […]
Built Together
Dear Church, It’s hard to believe that it has only been 18 months since I began my time here as your associate pastor. Together, we have been through much: successfully navigated a church merger, went on a service trip, had the best Christmas pageant ever, and started up a new worship service. We studied the […]
BOCE Changes
Change is afoot! With my departure coming up quickly, leadership changes are happening in our Christian education and faith formation programs. I would first like to welcome our two new board members, Cindy Sweeney and Rob Delossa. Cindy comes to us with years of serving on many committees in the church including BOCE. Rob is […]
Kermit’s Corner: “Mottainai” and Coffee Mugs
In Japan, there is a movement to encourage citizens to return to the frugal practice of bringing reusable chopsticks when eating out. This is part of the general idea of “mottainai,” or “don’t waste,” and is beautifully highlighted in the book Replenishing the Earth, by Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner lauded for her […]
Season of Thanks
As we wrap up our choral season at Edwards Church, I stand as ever in awe at the commitment made year after year by these fine volunteers I call my friends. It’s been an amazing year with many new anthems, many special services, and several opportunities for guest musicians to join the fun throughout the […]
Rhythm of Change
Dear friends, The life of a church community involves a balance and a rhythm of continuity and change. At any given moment, we need both. Without change, we become stagnant. Without continuity, we lose our sense of who we are. While we seek to balance familiarity and newness, we also recognize that there are times […]
Pentecost Parade
The church year marches on! After a joyous Palm Sunday and Easter, May is approaching, and with it, the summer (hopefully!). The highlight of the month is Pentecost, this year on May 20. During worship, we will have a “mini parade” as usual, featuring our larger than life dove, representing the Holy Spirit. After worship, […]
Mothers’ Day Music
On May 13, we will have special music for violin and cello, featuring our own Jane Ezbicki, and Marian Levinstein, who joined us this past fall. They will accompany the choral anthem, and plan to provide chamber music with piano at other points in the service. The following week, Cheryl returns to the organ as […]