The past year ended on a somber note with continued violent attacks against Jews and other faith and minority groups, and we begin the new year with continued vigilance in monitoring and responding to growing incidents of hate crimes and antisemitic activity locally, nationally, and internationally. The solemn reality of this violence affects all of us who value justice, respect and inclusion. As scholar Deborah Lipstadt writes, “No healthy democracy can afford to tolerate anti-Semitism in its midst.”
The outpouring of concern and tremendous attendance at the vigil in memory of those murdered in the Pittsburgh shooting illustrated the strength of our bonds. In this spirit we invite you to stand with us again at the “Nashville is Stronger than Hate” event on February 10, 7-8pm, at the Temple, with guest speaker, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers (Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh).
We each have the choice to act through faith and courage. We have the choice to build relationships that make us stronger than hate.
- Jewish Federation and many co-sponsors
TNT Club
The annual TNT Club Valentine Dance will take place at 2pm on Sunday, February 9, in Fellowship Hall. TNT Club is a fun ministry for and with folks with developmental disabilities. To learn more about the various programs throughout the year and how to participate, talk to Eva Evans, Mary Jayne Jones, Nancy Kleinert, or Jim and Kathy Zamata.
Potluck lunch & Ministry Council
Next Sunday, February 16, after worship, we will gather again in fellowship hall for a potluck lunch (look for the clipboard on Sunday morning to select your contribution or get an early start) and to make ministry plans. On the agenda are membership events — meals, game nights, outings, etc. — that bring us together and offer great opportunities to get to know each other and build relationships. Please make plans to join us !
Festival of Cakes
Both a fun fellowship event and a fundraiser for this year’s immersion trip, we’ll fill our bellies with food and sweets and celebrate Mardi Gras style on February 23 after worship. Save the date and start practicing your bakes - who knows which cake will take top prize this year! We’ll have Taziki’s for lunch and the cake auction proceeds will help fund this year’s immersion trip May 24-28. (Suggested donation is $10/adult to help cover lunch or a cake to share/auction; kids eat free). For the immersion experience (last year we went to St. Louis), we’re staying local this year, serving and learning from local non-profits including Open Table Nashville, the Nashville Food Project, and Bethany Hills Camp. And we look forward to sharing our stories and experiences in worship later this summer.
Family programming
What’s happening? Since August, families have gathered twice a month in fellowship hall. After sharing a meal together, children ages 3-5th grade gather with TJ and Katie to learn through song. They continue to work and learn and are excited to lead music in worship later this spring. Youth have a variety of conversations with Allison. They have discussed the two creation stories, the role of prayer, and brainstormed different outreach and fellowship possibilities with other Disciples congregations, like Eastwood. Parents have had the opportunity to chat as parents, discussing the power of story, checking in with one another, and grappling with the challenges of raising faithful humans with Kalie facilitating the conversation. This spring, they will read and discuss essays from the book, When Kids ask Tough Questions. While this time is geared for families with children and youth, any and all who wish to participate and support this portion of our congregation are invited to participate. Please see Allison for more details.
Week of Compassion
We will receive the Week of Compassion special offering on February 16 and 23. You may also give online. Thank you!
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