“Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Luke 2:16-20 (The MSG)

Greetings Siblings in Christ,

Happy Christmas season and a Blessed New Year to you!  I pray that your spirit was moved and grew during the Advent season and the celebration of the birth of Jesus, God incarnate, on Christmas Eve.

I want to say that I am grateful to all of you.  Your kindness, your spirit, your humor, and wisdom is so heart-warming.  When folx have come for worship, you have been welcoming with open arms.  When asked to modify some practice, or try something new, our faith community has been open to the possibilities – and surprises.  My experience of our faith community is that we are not afraid to make mistakes and not afraid to try something new. I remind you, that is a rare phenomenon.

Your incredible generosity towards our Christmas Offering for gift cards for Foster Youth in Alameda and Contra Counties shows a faith community that believes and trusts in God’s abundance.  While we may never know the specific youths who receive these gift cards, I want you to know that too often they are taken aback and some so deeply touched they do not have words, that people in the world care about them without ever knowing them.  So, on behalf of them, thank you!

This Christmas you have overwhelmed me, as you have in prior years since my appointment to BMUC.  Your Christmas cards of family photos, your treats – savory and sweet, healthy snacks and baking and cooking supplies and personal gifts have put a smile on my face that has not receded.  Thank you!

Sadly, I have eaten ALMOST all the treats by myself.  I did share some with others so that I would not pig out on all the treats.  I returned to the gym the last week of the year to sweat off all the goodies.

Finally, I pray that you will continue to live Christmas well into the days ahead transforming the lives around you, with your genuine interest in them, with a caring smile, with a gentle or gregarious hug they are so in need of.  Thank you most for being living witnesses of the faith that God has in humanity – all of God’s children.
Have a safe, blessed, surprising and joyful New Year.

 Salaam, Shalom,

Rev. Pamela Kurtz, Pastor