Christian Church of Vacaville

Yesterday, I ended my sermon with a riff on a Celtic tradition for Samhain. I first heard this in 2004 when I commenced my Clinical Pastoral Education journey. ...I asked Wes, my Educator, for a copy afterwards. Written at the bottom of the page ‘Barbara Brown Taylor, Weavings Sept/Oct 1988’. It may be the day after, and I feel this tradition can teach us things for now. Here’s how I remember it: On the last day of the year, people would draw back one coal from their peat fires, place the coal in a bucket, and then extinguish the fire. They’d gather at the tallest hill overlooking the edge of the village and would ascend together. It was dusk, when they reached the summit, where they found a tall mound of dry brush gathered by the youth. They would encircle the brush and then, on the count of (whatever), they’d toss their coals into the dry brush, which would ignite, illumining the night sky. Once the fire began to settle, they’d tell the stories of who they are and how they had come to this place. And, of course, they’d tell the stories of whom they had lost and how hard it was to get on without them. And yet, in this moment, together, telling stories, it seemed like they were present with them. Hours would pass. When the fire was nearly out, each family would draw back a coal into their bucket. As they descended the mountain, they looked to be like a shower of falling stars to the earth. They returned home and rekindled their household fire. Tomorrow would be winter and they’d be ready. ------------------------------------------ Friends, the election concludes tomorrow, even if the results aren’t known for weeks. Find ways to connect to your people, so that you can remind yourself of who you are and how you came to be here, so that you can connect to the strength of the ancestors, so that we can find the courage to face what lies ahead.

Like most churches, we have been meeting online. We use Zoom. Here is the information for Sunday Oct. 18. We meet at 11 am. Please consider joining our "movement for wholeness in a fragmented world." Topic: CCOV Sunday Service Time: Oct 18, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)... Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4883887379 Meeting ID: 488 388 7379 Passcode: 1854 One tap mobile +16699006833,,4883887379#,,,,,,0#,,1854# US (San Jose) +13462487799,,4883887379#,,,,,,0#,,1854# US (Houston) Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) Meeting ID: 488 388 7379 Passcode: 1854 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcPFOSw7nu

UPDATE: after the fire jumped I-80 to my side of the interstate, we were told to evacuate. VanIke and I are now safe in Marin. requesting prayers for my commun...ity, the Christian Church of Vacaville, and all who are dealing with the numerous fires in California. several of my congregants have been evacuated and are all currently safe. also, some expressions of gratitude: while tracking down my peeps this morning, two colleagues in ministry reached out to offer support for our folks and wider community: LaTaunya M Bynum, Regional Minister & President of Christian Church, Northern California/Nevada and Caroline Hamilton-Arnold of Week of Compassion. (thanks friends) always, and especially times like these, grateful for the connectional support of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Folks; This is a great opportunity to pray together! Please consider signing up. This is a 12 hour vigil on Friday June 5. Times are listed in the attachment. https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLScr4pdA4P8KhmJcPr/viewform

https://soundcloud.com/user-864402531/sermon-may-24-2020