Copy of Church & Community News | July 3, 2025
- kvcc12943
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
FAITH AND ISSUES
On July 5, we continue our discussion of The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage, by Richard Rohr, Chapter 9 (Ezekiel: Redemption and the Grace of God) ppg 130 - 141.
How do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel in such an unjust world? Richard Rohr turns to the writings of the Jewish prophets, revealing how some of the lesser-read books of the Bible offer us a crucial path forward today.
The prophets’ writings reflect the full spectrum of human maturity. Their initial rage and their accusatory words evolve into a pathos and lamentation about our shared human condition and the world’s suffering. Through critiques of culture and institutions, and their journey from anger to sadness, and ultimately compassion, the prophets exemplify what Rohr calls “sacred criticism”—a distinct approach to confronting evil and injustice that acknowledges the wholeness of history, the interconnectedness of every living being, and the reality of a divine and universal love. In this, they set the stage for Jesus, who follows this identical pattern.
The Tears of Things breathes new life into ancient wisdom. It paves a path of enlightenment for anyone seeking a compassionate way of living in a hurting world.
As always, we welcome any and all who would like to explore these rich topics and discuss beliefs, stories, and questions.
To join the discussion on Saturday, July 5, at 9:00 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 813 7548 3142
Join Us for Worship!
Join us this Sunday in worship we welcome the Rev. Michael Caldwell as our guest Minister and students from Meadowmount as our guest musicians.
To join our Zoom meeting:
To help families who wish to attend, we do provide childcare. Please contact Henrietta Jordan at 518-576-2079 or via email at hbjordan@trailmarker.org for more information or to have her plan for providing care to your child.
Coffee Hour
Summer is upon us and we need volunteers to provide this wonderful end to our worship service. Please sign up on the sheet located on the bulletin board in the "multi purpose room".
Tuesday Morning Book Group
The Tuesday morning book group is continuing an exploration of poems of spirit. We’ll be looking at poems that engage with Christianity through the centuries from a wide variety of perspectives, and we’ll also be reading a range of poems from other spiritual traditions and lenses. This will be a fun and reflective way to think about the intersection between spirituality and poetry and an opportunity for us to ask how we can leverage the poetic tradition, which captures spiritual wisdom, experiences and questions, in our own practices and faith communities.
If you would like to join, please email Kate Robinson (krobinson49@gmail.com) to receive the reading. Weekly meetings are Tuesday at 9am in the Van Santvoord Room.
Zoom Pew System Upgrades
We have upgraded our Zoom Pew video and sound system! The system can entirely be run on an iPad by a person in the sanctuary.
If you would like to see how the system works, please stay after coffee hour and Fritz will give you a demonstration.
Annual White Elephant Sale
Beginning on June 5, we will be accepting items for the White Elephant sale on Thursdays from 10 AM - 2 PM.
PLEASE no books, clothing, kitchen glassware, electronics, skis and baby items. Also, please make sure that there are no broken parts and everything works. Thank you for your diligence.
Mark your Calendars: Church Bazaar
The church bazaar is coming on August 1 and 2, and we need your help! Volunteers for the days of the event are essential to the bazaar's success.
Please consider committing to any or all of the following:
Baked Goods for our Bake Sale: Deliver to the church kitchen on Friday morning;
Fresh salads from provided recipes: See Liz for times to prepare them in the church kitchen. Recipes will be found in the VSR at the end of June.
Donations to the jewelry, quilts, needlecrafts or White Elephant areas.
Help a team! Signups are available in the VSR.
The bazaar is a key outreach of our church and we need everyone to contribute to create a great event.
Keene Valley Library
Tuesday July 8, 5-7 pm : Keene Valley Library Benefit - Mingle Under the Stars!
Music, food, silent auction. Tickets at keenevalleylibrary.org
Monday July 14 : 100 Years of John's Brook Lodge
Presented by Tony Goodwin. The talk will discuss the history of John's Brook Lodge from the land acquisition in 1922 to the current operations. 7:30-8:30 pm.
Monday July 21 : Restoring Keene Cemeteries and Unearthing Keene Stories
Presented by Peter Slocum. This presentation will address the work being done to restore the gravestones in the town's 11 so-called abandoned cemeteries and will highlight the stories they reveal. 7:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, July 24, 3-4 pm : Robyn Shumer
Robyn will speak about her book: Bones: Anorexia, Anxiety and My Path to Self Love.
Monday, July 28 : Perspective
Seth McGowan, President of the Adirondack Sky Center, will discuss discovering the relationship between size, distance, and time as we travel through the Solar System and Into the Universe. 7:30-8:30 pm
Saturday Story Time with Ms. Laura
Starting July 12 and running through Aug. 16, 10:30-11:15. Children will enjoy stories, art and songs. Adult supervision required for children under age 12.
Thursday July 31 10-11 am : Underwater Wonders
An exploration of the aquatic bugs in our rivers and streams. All ages welcome. Adult supervision required for children under age 12.
Church Photos
The church is looking to include photos of church happenings into a new website design. If you have any photos you’d like to share, please either email them or text them to Fritz at fsabbow@gmail.com or 518-572-5502.
ONLY ONE LOCAL PERFORMANCE THIS SUMMER ON AUG. 9
The only local performance this Summer given by Martha Gallagher, The Adirondack Harper will be “When Women Were Birds”; a delightful evening of music, stories, poetry and in-the-moment inspirations. New works, as well as long-loved songs will be featured. Part retrospective of 33 years as The Adirondack Harper and part new creative explorations, it will be an evening that will uplift heart and soul. Tickets available at the door; $20. suggested. Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 PM at the Keene Valley Congregational Church UCC. Media sponsorship from North Country Public Radio. AdkHarper.com
HEARTSONGS RETREAT AT KVCC AUG. 22 - 24
In the newly emerging tradition of offering a Summer retreat weekend, KVCC is sponsoring a weekend with songwriter Martha Gallagher, exploring the joys of singing and creating mantras, chants and simple songs. These forms of words and music can be a balm and delight in one’s daily life as well as embraced as beautiful and potent spiritual practices. Details and registration at https://www.eventleaf.com/e/HeartSongs
Blessings ~
Martha Gallagher
