CLERICAL COMMENTS

In the beginning there was the Word; and the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God. The Word was present to God from the beginning. Through the Word all things came into being, and apart from the Word nothing came into being that has come into being. In the Word was life, and that life was humanity’s light – a Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken. John 1:1-5, TIB

One of my favorite memories from our family vacations was a trip to White Sands National Park in New Mexico. During our visit we had the opportunity to attend an evening of stargazing with one of the Park Rangers. The velvet black sky was filled with stars. As I now stare into the night sky from our home on the outskirts of Houston, light pollution has blocked out almost all of the stars, but a few are always visible. This month we celebrate the arrival of the magi who followed a star to the Christ Child. According to Matthew’s Gospel, it is implied that the magi lost sight of their guiding star and went to King Herod in Jerusalem for directions. The magi were told that the newborn ruler of the Jews would be born in Bethlehem. As the magi head toward Bethlehem the star is observed again and leads them to Jesus. Stars in the night sky have been used throughout history to guide travelers to their destinations. For far too many, this past year seemed to block out all the guiding stars.

There have been many times in history and in our own lives when events have caused us to lose our way and wander in hopelessness and despair. The Good News is that the darkness has never overtaken the Light of God’s love. In this past year there were stars that guided us to hope – first responders, essential workers, scientists, the black lives matter movement, dismantling of racist monuments, volunteers, Zoom, and so many more. What star(s) would you name and thank God for? The weeks and months ahead may well be the most difficult, but the guiding stars will guide us to the promise of Emmanuel, God with us. There is “a Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken.” As we move into 2021, may we resolve to be a guiding star for others and help lead them to Christ, the Light of the world. I look forward to being with all you guiding stars in worship and ministry in 2021! Thanks be to God. Yours in Christ, Pastor David

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Grace Events

All church events have been postponded until after the pandemic ends.

Worship will be by video found on line and Facebook

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

Natalie B 01/02, Raymunda S 01/07, Hallie M 01/09, Amanda E 01/10,

Laura B 01/14, Marissa B 01/15, Judah P 01/16, Ervid R 01/20, Tiffeny B 01/23,

Millie W 01/25, Esther P 01/29, Kemi K 01/31

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

THANK YOU TO ALL GRACE UCC VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED DELIVER

FOOD CONTAINERS FROM BRIGHTER BITES.

Hundreds of boxes of fruits, beans, and vegetables from the FOOD BANK where shared throughout this past year from the church parking lot. THANK YOU!!

We distribute the food every other Thursday (January 14 & 28) from the church parking lot for two Head Start Communities from 2:45 - 4:30. Call the church office for details.

Volunteers are welcome!

Christian Community Service Center - COVID-19 Update:

CCSC is open & helping those in need. CCSC is continuing its work and mission, while taking the necessary precautions with our staff and volunteers. The CCSC food pantries are essential services - serving as a grocery store to our clients - in compliance with the "Stay at Home, Work Safe" order issued by the City of Houston. Your assistance is needed now more than ever. CCSC continues to closely monitor recommendations from local and national officials and experts regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. After significant consideration, we have made the following adjustments to program operations:
*The Emergency Services sites (3230 Mercer and 6856 Bellaire Blvd) are focused on providing food to those in need. We have modified operations to get clients served quickly - foregoing interviews and supplying a preassembled grocery package. Thank you to Donna Cardinale and Jane Eixmann, who continue to volunteer to help serve clients during this pandemic.
We are conducting phone interviews for financial requests for help with rent or utilities for residents living within our zip code range. If you need financial assistance and live in one of these zip codes: 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77028, 77030, 77031, 77036, 77046, 77056, 77057, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77096, 77098 and 77401, please call for an appointment--713-8719741.

The community can help by donating nonperishable food items or making a donation. Go to ccschouston.org and click on the "Make a Contribution" button.
*JobNet is primarily serving clients via phone, e-mail, and online tools. In person appointments may be scheduled for limited services, based on need. New and existing clients are encouraged to call JobNet at 713-626-8320 to receive ongoing virtual support during this time.

*Scheduled Martha's Way classes are postponed until further notice.

There are two convenient ways to make a donation: Donate on-line by visiting our secure website www.ccschouston.org OR Mail a personal check to CCSC, PO Box 27924, Houston, TX 77227 (Please make checks payable to CCSC with "Back To School" written in the notes section.) Donations needed and accepted year-round!

to all our guests!