First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, a Member Church of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and More Light Presbyterians

World Communion Sunday, October 1, 2017

Adult Bible Study – 8:15 a.m.
Worship – 9:30 a.m.
Childcare is available for infants through preschool age, downstairs in Rooms 4 and 5.
Sunday School for Children & Youth – following worship
Sunday Seminar: “Challenges to Sustainability” – 11:00 a.m.
Communion at Clark-Lindsey Village: 1:30 p.m.
Facing Racism Study – 5:30 p.m., Church Library
 
From the Pastor/Head of Staff
 
(Photo: “A New Spirit,” by Dale Chihuly, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona)
 
I have loved the brilliant, curvaceous and imaginative glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly since I first saw one of his chandeliers years ago in the Milwaukee Art Museum. In 1976, he was in a car accident in which he was thrown through the windshield. His face was badly cut, and he lost the vision of his left eye. After he recovered, he adapted and continued his sculpting. Then in 1979, he dislocated his right shoulder in a body surfing accident. From that point on, he was no longer able to hold the glass blowing pipe, and had to learn to depend on others to continue sculpting. He said in an interview years later, “Once I stepped back, I liked the view.” Rather than feeling limited by his injury, he realized that he could see the glass blowing from more perspectives, as well as anticipate problems more quickly. Thus, something as delicate as glass can be made to embody resilience. Join us on Sunday, October 1, when we will hear about the time the authority of Jesus was challenged by the religious leaders. His response exposed their rigidity, a hardness born not of resilience but of privilege and arrogance. Far from being something that should never change, he showed that faith (religion) is about humility, suppleness and being ever ready to listen.
 
Blessings, David