Dearest Neighbors,

 Our first in-person worship service on World Communion Sunday was such a success that we’re doing it again! The weather forecast continues to show another beautiful Fall morning, that during our worship time temps will be in the 60’s with light winds out of the southwest and rains holding off until later in the afternoon. We’ll again set up in the parking lot to be in the safety of the open air, with physical-distanced seating, canopies providing shaded areas, face coverings required that cover both mouth and nose, hand sanitizer provided, and gloved/face-covered Deacons safely distributing Communion elements to each worshiper.

For the well-being of all in attendance, please maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from others and keep your masks on. Resist the desire to shake hands, hug, or in any way be in close contact.

Drive-in worship will continue to be an option, weather permitting. Livestream worship will always be an option, as it has been for the past 2 years.

Attached is the worship packet for this Sunday, the first Sunday of this year’s Stewardship Campaign entitled “Beloved, Love.” Scripture texts are: 1John 4:7-9 and Genesis 2:8-15. The sermon title is Love Creation. Over the next several weeks of the campaign we’ll be exploring God’s call to expansive love, beginning with Creation.

I continue to be grateful for our amazing worship leadership team! Joining me this Sunday include: Steven Currin as Worship Leader, Michael Cooke & Laurel Deming leading us in song, Wally Miller tending to the sound system, Frank Shaffer doing livestream video, Lana Zoltowski accompanying on keyboard, and Susan Page and Mark Pallardy singing a duet. If you choose to remain at home, you can connect to the livestream service from the VistaStream button at the top of our website montevista.org. Below it is a link to the worship packet for this Sunday. You can also access our VistaStream YouTube channel directly: montevista.org/vistastream. You can also go to our church Facebook page to watch the service via the Facebook Live feature. Both are available to watch in real time or later. For in-person worshipers, if possible please bring a copy of the worship packet with you so we can maintain as little physical contact as possible.

For those remaining at home, remember to create your worship space, with items that make it meaningful for you – such as a candle (of any kind), your Communion elements, and whatever else invites you into a worshipful presence with God. Consider sending me a picture of your worship space to share with the congregation as examples of preparations for this time of virtual worship.  For those at the church, please help us take pictures of our gathering. Then send your pictures to me for inclusion on our Facebook page and in the newsletter.

As the number of Covid cases continues to be alarmingly elevated again this week, know that my prayer is for your health and safety, for all who are suffering and at risk during this prolonged period of pandemic crisis, societal strife, and racial injustice. I’m grateful for each of you, that we are church together, and to be journeying alongside you in the uncertainty of these difficult days. As always, I’m here for you and available to you; so please reach out if you need anything. We have never ceased to be the church, we have always been open, and we are learning to be church in new ways in a new day. Your pastoral staff and elders are here for you should you need to pray or talk, or simply need a connection or errands run.

Be well. Be safe. Be healthy. Be connected. Wash those hands, wear those face coverings, and observe physical distancing! We are church together, we are in this together, and will get through this together!

Blessings of health & wholeness,

Rev. Dawn
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Rev. Dr. Dawn Rosignol, DMin, MDiv, MTS

Senior Minister   *   pronouns: she/her/hers

Monte Vista Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

(505) 268-3365   *   revdawn@montevista.org 
montevista.org   *   An Open & Affirming Congregation

Where Heart & Intellect Intersect with Christ