Both Sides By Rev. Nina D. Grey November, 2001

Love is the spirit of this church

and service its law.

This is our great covenant,

to dwell together in peace,

to seek the truth in love,

and to help one another.

(James Vila Blake)

This is what we say, in unison, almost every Sunday. What does it mean for us? How do we embody love as the spirit of our church? How do we help one another?

These times we are in, of war and fear, of trial and uncertainty, of questioning and seeking, call for extra measures of affirmation, of courage and of faith. One way we strengthen ourselves, our families and friends, and each other, to face such times is by the support we give one another. These questions of how we embody love and how we help one another are as important now as they have ever been.

Our Caring Committee Chairpersons, Polly McCoo and Madeiria Myrieckes, are asking all who can to help, to strengthen us as a caring community. They invite you to see them at coffee hour after worship, or call Polly on the phone, and volunteer to be a phone caller, a driver, a visitor, or to help with an occasional errand. There may be even more ways you can help us respond to needs of individuals and families of First Church.

If you are in need of support such as phone calls, visits, rides, or other kinds of help that the Caring Committee can provide, please call. Polly's number is: 773-768-8535.

Both Rev. Marlene Walker and I would be happy to meet with individuals and families, whether in phone calls, visits at home or hospital, or in the office.

In this time our nation is at war and there are continuing fears about terrorism. Our nation's people have many feelings about these things, including a greater vulnerability. We hold a variety of viewpoints and understandings about these difficult and tragic events and we need room and space to speak about them honestly, from our hearts. We need to be able to speak and listen without fear about acceptance in our community of faith. This is why we have held and will schedule times, after some church services, for talking and listening and being together, for those who wish this kind of opportunity. There will also be times for reflecting together and opportunities to be of service and to take action.

An ad hoc group of the Social Justice Council is exploring some options for involvement through the larger community, and another small group is forming to think about more pastoral, worship, and other in-church responses. You are warmly invited to participate in any opportunities and to offer your own suggestions.

It is also important to be together, together in worship, and in events which strengthen our community. Join us this month in our worship services, as we celebrate life and explore life's meaning and purposes, and in our special celebrations of Thanksgiving, the Seder, November 17, and our Multi-generational Thanksgiving Service, November 18.

Each of us can help deepen our ability to be a more caring community. Each can have a part in the strengthening of the Love which dwells among us.

In faith, with love,

Nina