Nov. 5th – We will gather to celebrate All Souls Day, a day of honoring and remembering those who have shaped and influenced our lives – here at Washington Park and beyond. We encourage you to think about who it is you wish to remember and celebrate. They may be from our past and those still present with us. The month of November allows us to share our gratitude for Wash Park, those who are saints to us, those who helped us find our voice as a congregation and as individuals in our efforts to do justice, love mercy and to walk humbly.

 

Nov. 12th – This Sunday we will consider and celebrate just what it means to be a Just Peace and an Open and Affirming Church in our day and for these times. As our nation has grown more violent and the world constantly at war, as the targeting of minorities has become more well known, our voice for justice and our witness for peace have carried our voice into our community and into the streets. Since 1992 we have been Open and Affirming, leading the way for others to follow. And with courage, the church celebrated the marriage of two of our beloved members several years later as we put into actions that which we preached. Wash Park continued to be a leading voice for what it means to be Open and Affirming when we ordained the first transgender minister in the United Church of Christ. 

 

Nov. 19th – On this Sunday we will focus on Wash Park being a Whole Earth, Creation Justice congregation. With the support of Wash Park, Rev. Peter Sawtell formed Eco-Justice ministries and became a leading voice for Creation Justice in the United Church of Christ, our community and beyond. Over 200 congregations are a part of ongoing efforts to counter the impacts of human caused climate change and to speak for the earth and species who have no voice in decisions made that put so much at risk. This day will be a day of gratitude for all who have been a part of speaking up, talking back, speaking truth to power. We invite you to share those experiences in your life where you shared your voice for justice. Afterward we will celebrate  and give thanks for the Rabble- Rousers among us.

 

November 26th – On this Sunday we will turn our attention to the future and the possibilities to build on the foundation of Wash Park’s sacred history of witness in our world. Our decision to sell our property is leading other congregations to consider their own next steps. We will give thanks for yet another opportunity to lead others into new ways of caring for a hurting world, doing justice, and following Spirit into new forms of service and ministry.