Belfry Notes

Belfry Notes November-December 2022

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Members,

It may be hard to believe, but the Christmas and Holiday Season is upon us.  Events, services, and current mission works are listed on the other side of this letter.  We’ll begin posting events for 2023 early in the New Year.  Yes, it’s almost that time again.  The annual return of the Light and a New Year.  For now, we must be patient with the darkness and bask in Joy and Hope and Gratitude.  

If you haven’t seen it, The Garden is complete with a bench to sit and watch the seasons change.  It’s a place for contemplation, prayer, meditation, creating, and remembering. Even playfulness.  It’s quiet space for whatever you need.  Feel free to come and sit and find a place of peacefulness.  

Dorcas has been very busy putting on events to enjoy.  The annual Village Fair was a beautiful success and the Holly Fair is in full gear.  Earlier in the summer, we enjoyed fresh strawberry shortcake and a basket raffle.  We are so grateful for the work that these women do for our church and community.  

The children have been working on the next level of PRAY to earn Scout Badges and learn about their role in the Church and Community.  Each of us has a part to play, young, old, and everyone in between.  Look for a teaser of their work to appear at the Christmas Eve Service.  

The Bar None Neighbors Group planted nearly a thousand daffodils along the park and we look forward to the blooming of spring.  The plan is to continue to plant daffodils throughout the neighborhood each year, until each spring we unfold with extravagance! 

We have a special request and need your help and input.  The Farm School has requested the use of the upstairs for their Chicken Coop School (7th-8th graders) for one or two school years.  This will give them a local temporary home while they build a new, permanent home.  Council Members do not want to make this big decision without your input.  Please don’t think your opinion doesn’t count, it does.  We need everyone to know what is proposed and offer input.  Council will be voting on December 11th to move forward or not and they are unable to do so without your help. Please, help.   

We close, sending you warmth and love.  When it begins to feel too cold and dark, remember that there is light and hope and blessings in everything.  If you need support, please reach out and ask.  We are here to love and support one another.  Giving, sharing, and supporting one another are the greatest gifts we have to give to one another and this world.  

Love & Blessings,

Charlotte and CCNOT

Upcoming Holiday Events & Services:

–Tree Lighting on the Park: December 4th at 6pm.

–Holiday Paint & Sip with AT Arts on December 10th at 1pm.  We’ll be painting ornaments, which make wonderful gifts (no “talent” required).     

–Christmas Eve services will be at 7pm on December 24th.  

–Christmas Day at 9am to gather together for Quiet Prayer and Company.  Coffee and treats.  

–Children’s Performances on December 18th with music, poems, and stories.  

–Ring the Bells for Peace on January 1st during services.  

–Advent Reflections with Charlotte & Owen will post on our website for all to enjoy.  

–Sunday Services at 9am.  You are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom.  

–Friday Walks continue each week at 10am (we meet at The Garden).  It’s a perfect way to get some fresh air and catch up with one another.  We have the short and long route and you’re welcome to join for part or all.

–Community Yoga takes place Wednesdays at 6pm. There is no yoga on December 21st.

Current Missions:

–Salvation Army Angel Tree and Red Kettle will be out for support and donations.  

–Food Pantry, Heifer International, and Child Fund (our child is from Bolivia) are ongoing.  

Of Note: Charlotte will be on Vacation January 23rd – February 3rd.