Wednesday, December 16 @ 6:30pm: Blue Christmas Service

The holiday season is full of brightness and cheer, except for when it’s not. For some of us the holidays bring up sadness and grief, and can be difficult. Join us for a vespers service of music, reflection, and time to be with one another in the spirit of healing and community.

Peg Boyle & Phil Smith will be leading a discussion group on the book Just Mercy. Join this group to talk about social justice and reflect on a book rated one of the best of the year!

The group will meet 7-9p in the Parish house on:  December 3, December 17, January 7

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

What is the one commonality of people on death row? If the victim is white, the perpetrator is 11 times more likely to be condemned to die than if the victim is black. When Stevenson was a 23-year-old Harvard law student, he started an internship in Georgia where his first assignment was to deliver a message to a man living on death row. This assignment became his calling: representing the innocent, the inadequately defended, the children, the domestic abuse survivors, the mentally ill—the imprisoned. This fast-paced book reads like a John Grisham novel. One of those profiled, Walter, was at a barbecue with over 100 people at the time of the murder he was accused of, and spent more than six years on death row. The stories include those of children, teens, and adults who have been in the system since they were teens. This is a title for the many young adults who have a parent or loved one in the prison system and the many others who are interested in social justice, the law, and the death penalty. A standout choice.—Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Juvenile Hall, CA

Please note that the actual meeting time is 8:00 am to 10:00 am EXCEPT on the third Saturday of the month when the group meets from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Cost: by donation

Join us each week downstairs for light refreshments and conversation after worship. Sometimes it is just cider and juice and conversation in the Chapel Lobby. For the first Sunday of the month, we often have a more robust spread and coffee and tea in Eddy Hall. Sometimes we have a special event, like a potluck or a luncheon in Eddy Hall. (See the blog or the newsletter for specifics!) Get to know Bell Street members better, find out about local events and find new ways to get involved. Let us spend time together and bring deeper conversations to our worship together.

Sunday, December 20 @ 6:30pm: Winter Solstice Service (Eddy Hall)

Join us on the longest night of the year as we welcome back the light and give thanks for the warmth it brings to this world. This service will include music, reflection, and story. All are welcome!

Please note that the actual meeting time is 8:00 am to 10:00 am EXCEPT on the third Saturday of the month when the group meets from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Cost: by donation

Join us each week downstairs for light refreshments and conversation after worship. Sometimes it is just cider and juice and conversation in the Chapel Lobby. For the first Sunday of the month, we often have a more robust spread and coffee and tea in Eddy Hall. Sometimes we have a special event, like a potluck or a luncheon in Eddy Hall. (See the blog or the newsletter for specifics!) Get to know Bell Street members better, find out about local events and find new ways to get involved. Let us spend time together and bring deeper conversations to our worship together.