Dear Storytellers,
Last week we lost one of the great icons of film, the amazing Cicely Tyson who passed at the age of 96. Her career spanned seven decades on television, screen, and stage. She was an Oscar nominee for best actress in 1972, awarded an honorary statue by the Academy in 2018, won two Emmy’s, a Tony, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In watching a CBS Morning interview with this pioneer and activist, Ms. Tyson was asked by Gayle King, “Do you have more to do?” to which she replied “Of course I do, that’s why I’m still here. What my life became is not what I expected. I had no idea I would touch anyone. I’m amazed every single day I live.” What a powerful message for us from someone who said these words at age 96. Of course, there is more to do! I think we too often forget how much God has made us to accomplish for the Kingdom. How many people we can touch by embracing God’s purposes of love, grace and joy as a gift to share with others.
Sunday we will engage the themes of God’s story we are calling “Restoration and Sensation” looking at the poetic wisdom writings, focusing on Ecclesiastes. The working title for the sermon Pastor Jad will be sharing is “mid-life crisis” considering all of the philosophical questions scripture asks us in the wisdom writings we often ask ourselves as we get to the mid–point of our lives. Questions like where do I turn, why do you forsake me, who is God and who am I? How do we find the purpose and resilience in our engagement with God to live as intentionally as legends like Cicely Tyson?
This week we begin to celebrate Black History month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Each week we will be sharing and celebrating the accomplishments of black Americans to educate, celebrate, and honor how God uses the diversity of all his beloved children to change the world.
We want everyone to join us Thursday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. on Facebook Live for a Black History Worship Celebration. We will celebrate the themes of Kwanza: unity, purpose, self-determination, creativity and faith through art, music, dance, and spoken word. Pastor Jeremy will bring the message and will feature special guests:
- Alante’ Thomas, a recent B-CU alumnus and current M.Div candidate at Candler School of Theology, who will be providing us with a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
- The Inez Patricia School of Dance. They take traditional dance and add a flair to it. The school prides itself on being at the center of creativity and culture
- The artist is Jere James
- Blu Bailey, the founder of The Write, an organization focused on mentoring teens through creative writing, poetry, spoken word, and hip hop culture
Make sure you mark your calendars and share the social media posts with your friends for this special night of worship created by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee with a huge thank you to Sharon Somner for her work.
Don’t forget this Sunday we are offering two online worship times and styles!!
- Contemporary Worship will be on Facebook Live at 9:15 a.m.
- Blended Traditional Worship will be on Facebook Live at 11:15 a.m.
We hope to be back in–person (with online worship as well) very soon. Keep watching here for more updates!
Grace and peace,
Jenn.