ANDOVER — It seems the tensions of the 2024 election year are hopefully now behind us! We who attended the Christmas Eve service at ACC certainly felt the peace and hope to move forward into the future as we gathered in the life-sized nativity at the end of the service. With cupped hands around lit candles, we sang “Silent Night” huddled together as one before the babe, the “Prince of Peace” in the manger.
We felt ready to welcome 2025 with all the promises and challenges there are for all of us facing a New Year in this war-torn world. We pray for the Peace on Earth we all long for!
We started the New Year by officially ending “Christmastide” with a party. Held on January 6, Epiphany, it was a dressy affair — a roast beef dinner with the fixin’s. The Grange Hall was beautifully decorated and there was music and conversation. Kudos to all who planned and prepared it!
So, what are we up to now? I say “we” because none of these plans would happen without your help. Donna Thompson continues to sell her mouthwatering meals and baked goods at The Hub on second Saturdays, and also at the Friday night Coffee House (more about our next one in a moment) where you support us with purchases or just downright gifts! Because of your generosity you have made it possible for the outside of the Grange Hall to be painted this spring!
Also because of your donations and support we are only $1,500 away from painting the front of the church! (The rest of the church will be painted after raising a few thousand more.)
We love you for being our neighbors, friends, partners, and members, too. Once again, photographers will seek out this landmark to grace beautiful New England calendars. Thank you! Thank you!
The Friday Night Coffeehouse on February 21 will feature our very own Reverend Cinnamon Blomquist, taking the stage with her jazz quartet. Cinnamon is an accomplished flutist who performs around New England, playing jazz in numerous venues.
She will be joined by Bill Wightman on piano, Jock Irvine on bass, and Joe Virga on drums. Last year they drew a large audience and really brought the house down! There will be food too so come early and have a bite to eat.
As this is being written, our fellow Americans in the Los Angeles area in California are going through the worst wildfire devastation in their history. We are collecting funds for that now and going forward (through ARDF; see the “giving” page on our website). Many organizations are collecting and helping.
Join us in praying for the winds to stop, protection for all the firefighters, the fires to be put out, and those who have lost loved ones to be comforted. When tragedy happens, we are all Americans. God Bless us all.