January 2021 Kindness Calendar
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY SUNDAY 2020
The Bible is full of beautiful language and theology for celebrating God’s creation. Yet sometimes, in the rhythm of the liturgical year, it can be challenging to find a specific time in the Spring to focus as a church community on the theme of God’s creation. Earth Day Sunday provides just such an opportunity. Since 1970, communities have taken one day each year to be especially mindful of the Earth and its many gifts: April 22, Earth Day. Soon after, churches started celebrating God’s creation on the Sunday closest to Earth Day. This day has ecumenical and bipartisan roots.
This year’s theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now”, comes from a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
While the Health Officer of San Mateo County has put in place a shelter in place order until April 7 that may or may not be extended, depending on recommendations from public health officials, The St. James family will continue to gather weekly for worship, just in a different way.
Until the shelter in place order lifts, this will be our plan:
- Sunday Bible study @ 10 am via the conference line. Call in and put your
phone on mute. Unmute when you have a comment, want to ask a question
or get clarification. - Sunday Worship @ 11 am via the conference line.For church service, call in,
and mute your phone. You will be unmuted three times during the service as
we strive to keep the service as authentically STJ as possible. - The call in number is: 1-877-285-8520 (no access code needed).
- Bible study will continue, via conference call on Wednesday evenings at
7:00pm. - Tithes and offerings can be given electronically through our Givelify app or
can be mailed to the church since it will continue as an essential service. - All other ministry activity will be postponed until the order lifts.
- The church building is not only being cleaned but sanitized each week and
this will continue for the foreseeable future. - Check in with one another. Being out of our routine can be unsettling and
isolating. A card of encouragement or a phone call may be a welcome
distraction.
Please remember to pray for one another, for the permanent cessation of this
virus, for healing of all infected and affected by it, and that we will all, as citizens
of the world, be kinder and more compassionate towards one another as a result.
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY-FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7TH
On the first Friday of every February, which is designated as American Heart Month, the nation comes together, igniting a wave of red from coast to coast. From landmarks to news anchors and neighborhoods to online communities; this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.
American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved.
The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.
The Congress, by joint resolution on that date, has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.
While American Heart Month is a federally designated month in the United States, it’s important to realize that cardiovascular disease knows no borders.
DEALING WITH DEATH DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Researchers reveal that one of the biggest challenges for families is losing a loved one. Whether the loss is recent or it occurred a decade ago, this time of year often highlights absences and brings intense feelings of grief, loneliness and emptiness. You may even feel guilty if you find yourself having a good time.
Innocent gestures may also spur feelings of sorrow. For instance, receiving a holiday card addressed to your late loved one from a well-meaning friend who doesn’t know the circumstances may cause your grief to resurface. On the other hand, it can also be stressful when family and friends purposely don’t mention your loved one’s name to avoid upsetting you.
These feelings are all normal, but to help you get through these tough times, talk about how you would like to handle the situation with someone you trust. That person can then communicate your wishes to others. If you want to do something to honor your loved one, there are different ways you can pay tribute. Choose whatever feels right. Consider the following ideas:
- Place the person’s picture in a place of prominence at home.
- Light a memorial candle.
- Make a photo album of previous holidays together to focus on positive memories.
- Set aside a time so that everyone who wants to can share a memory or a funny story about the deceased.
- Toast to your loved one.
- Go to church or synagogue.
- Volunteer to help those in need.
Remember that not everyone grieves in the same way. There is no accepted norm. You may cry at the drop of a hat, while someone else is more stoic. Some people may grieve for weeks, and others mourn for years. Understand that the holidays won’t be the same as they used to be, but recognize that the “new normal” can be fulfilling in other ways.
BEING A CHRISTIAN IS LIKE BEING A PUMPKIN
God picks you from the patch and brings you in. (John 15:16)
Then washes all the dirt off you.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
He opens you up and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of hate, greed, etc. (Romans 6:6)
Then he carves you a new smiling face
(Psalm 71:23)
And he puts his light inside you to shine for the world to see. (Matthew 5:16)