The Words of the Goldberg Family
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The Words of the Goldberg Family |
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We live in a time of great upheaval and global change. Here in America, the economy has many people worried. This seems like a good time to put aside some canned goods and staples, grow a garden and learn how to economize in all areas. These are not bad ideas at all and I advocate all of them and more.
How is your spiritual economy?
When we take more than we give, we incur a spiritual debt. This is a law of the universe expressed in many ways in our lives and in the world in general. Bernie Madoff found this out the hard way and so did a lot of people who tried to make a buck on the backs of others. The funny thing is, most folks that do these crimes somehow do not see themselves as the cause of their own misery, nor do they often consider the damage they have done to others due to their greed.
Houses, in order to stand the test of time, must be built on firm foundations. Economies, whether personal, family or national follow the same rules. If you spend more than you take in, you will go into debt. Denial is not just a river in Egypt (de Nile?).
Why do you suppose that Joseph, the son of patriarch Jacob in days of old, became the Viceroy of Egypt under the Pharaoh? It was because he could read the signs of the times and he then convinced the leadership in Egypt to set aside some of the harvest to carry the community through the lean years.
There is a beautiful tradition within the Jewish culture that persists up until this very day. Every springtime, as Passover approaches, there is a "Spring clean-up" in the Jewish home. The whole family pitches in and gets rid of any "hametz" (leavened bread products). This is done to prepare for the celebration of the holy days of Passover which recall the Exodus from Egypt by the Jews who were enslaved under the Pharonic empire so many centuries ago. They had to leave in such a hurry that there was no time to make regular yeast bread. Instead they just spread the unleavened dough on hot rocks or whatever oven they had and baked on the run. When you go to the grocery store this week, look in the ethic foods isle and you will find "matzoh" (unleavened crackers) which will be used in the Seder celebration/ceremony to be held at Passover meals in April"
Getting rid of the leavened bread has a deeper spiritual meaning. The yeasted bread is puffy and reminds us that our egos can get puffed up pretty easily. Even when we do not realize it, we become proud and arrogant, forgetting our proper position in the natural order of things, forgetting God, forgetting to offer tithes and gratitude for our many blessings.
The Jewish ritual of hunting down the crumbs of puffy bread with a candle, a teaspoon and a feather denotes the cleansing of the human soul from its tendency to want to do evil. This can be a time of deep reflection about which of our two natures to strengthen in the coming days before we experience the liberation from winter. In many homes, excess food is given to the poor and needy as a reminder that we live not only unto ourselves, but for the greater good.
However you approach the end of winter and the coming of springtime, please consider the next 40 days as a time of prayer and reflection when we can clean out the cobwebs and "stale bread" that we allowed to build up in our spirit over the past months. We want to go into the coming season with a renewed vitality that comes from having a healthy giving spirit.
Lets give joy to God and to each other by really loving life and giving love in every situation, no matter what! Let's astonish God by arriving at Sunday worship service prepared to invest ourselves 100% in what is prepared for us. Then I am sure we can become free from bondage and experience liberation in our souls.
See you at New Hope on Sunday!
Pastor Matthew and Marianne Goldberg
Washington National Cathedral, 1610
Columbia Road, NW
20009
Saturday, Feb 26 at 11 am
There will be a pot luck lunch after the service in the vestibule behind the sanctuary where we can share food and our memories of our friend and sister. If you would like to help usher or help with the food or help in any way, please contact Libby Henkin or Kathy Hill . They would really appreciate your help.
Donations are gratefully accepted.
Please make checks out to HSA-UWC.
Put "Shirley's Seunghwa" in the memo line. They can be mailed to the address above or just bring to the service. A memorial plaque honoring Shirley is being considered.
Let's all come to celebrate the life of someone who was everyone's friend.
Our own District One Pastor, Rev. Randy Francis, presents: The Big Picture of Lovin Life Ministries -- What is the new membership model? What about the Education Track? What is Divine Principle 101? This coming Sunday at 12:00 noon in the Multipurpose Room- please plan to attend and get the big picture.
If you or someone you know would like to go to The Gambia this summer from the last week of June through the first two weeks of July, (3 weeks in all) please get in touch with me as soon as possible. Applicants need to be 17 or older, a "team-player", and have a willingness to serve. Each year has turned out to be a life-changing experience. We have been fund-raising already so all room, board, and program expenses will be covered. Participants will just need to pay for their round trip airfare, which will be between $1500-$2000. If you are in the Metro area and can help with any of the fund-raising, a substantial portion of the profit can be put toward your airfare depending on your time investment. Email is best to Aunt Bev.
Women's Federation for World Peace will hold a Gathering for Friendship for sisters living in the Laurel, Columbia/Ellicott City, and Baltimore area on Friday, February 25, at 7 pm at the home of Vicki Phelps in Ellicott City (4033 St Johns Lane). Kim Dadachanji, Maryland WFWP chairwoman, will share her thoughts on WFWP and listen to yours.
First, We thank you for Mrs. Wendy Herstein to demonstrate "Color-Me-Beautiful". We all had a great time. And we will continue our Friendship Gathering at Emiko Butler's home, 7918 Woodbury Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910 on February 26, 1 -- 3 pm. Come with your friends for a "meet and greet" and share your thoughts. Light refreshments will be served. We are looking for a make-up artist for this gathering. If you know someone, please call 301-589-2193.
Everyone, young and old is welcome and you don't need a partner. Just bring comfortable shoes. Here is the schedule.
February 27 12:00 -- 1:30 pm
No dance lesson in March unless you follow us to Japan Call / email us if you have any questions. Rex and Emiko Butler.
Saturday afternoon March 5: "Matching 101" meeting to assist parents and other family members to become familiar with two main 2nd Gen matching websites, new Family Matching Handbook, upcoming events and resources. Japanese translation provided. Families with Jacob Children and 1st Gen candidates welcome. Saturday, March 5, from 1-5 pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045. www.obicolumbia.org
Cost: $10 per adult, $15 for couples or parent and older sibling.
Please bring a laptop computer (all candidate profiles are online).
Families may bring pictures and profiles of their own candidates, but there isn't a "display board." Bring contact cards, if desired, to give to other families. Bring Registration forms and name tag. Families may bring their own printed-out version of Family Matching Handbook or purchase newly published copies at the event. Questions? Call the Wetzsteins.
Pastor Matthew Goldberg will be available to meet with you at the Greenbelt office; 7245 Hanover Parkway, Suite A, Greenbelt, MD, 20706 by appointment Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am till noon. Call Gay Grow if you wish to make an appointment. Also, Pastor Matt is available for prayers and official ceremonies with one week's notice. Call Gay Grow for your request.
Do you want a new Youth Ministry van? Well, we do too! And we need your help. Group fundraising will take place every Saturday at 10 am at Abendroth's home, 3601 Mabank Lane, Bowie, MD 20715.
Make your donation check out to HSA-UWC or New Hope Family Church, and drop it in the mail addressed to:
New Hope Family Church
P.O. Box 244
Riverdale, MD 20738-0244
Women of Wonder (W.O.W.) is a group of "joyful, compassionate women who strive to 1) Uncover our true selves, 2) Explore life, and 3) Help others. We have been gathering as a book club for many years to study and share our joys, troubles and miracles. We make intentions for ourselves and our loved ones and help each other by prayer and service. This session we will watch video sessions of Joyce Meyers for three meetings. The titles of the CDs are: 1) Establishing Boundaries in Relationships, 2) An out of Control Soul, and 3) De-stress Your Life". We will then read and study the book, "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul" by John Eldridge and his wife. Contact Karrin Brady, Wendy Herstein, Debra Gertz or Robin Musiol for more information.
All announcements and advertisements for the Mid-Week Announcements need to be written and emailed to Gay Grow by Wednesday at 5 pm. And announcements for the Sunday bulletin need to be written and emailed to Gay by Friday at 5 pm.
Furnished room for rent including utilities, high-speed internet and breakfast. $550. Call Cecil or Debbie Robbins for more information.
Bedroom for rent in Laurel, Howard County. Howard County has the best schools in the state. Driving distance to colleges. Close to JHAPL, NSA, right off I 95. Please call David or Kathy.
Will and Clair Stein have a room available in April and are looking to share their home with a BC. All the information is on the house website; www.bawtryhouse.com or you can call Will Stein.
Interns Wanted: Help defend the human rights of our Unification Church members in Japan and work for religious freedom around the world. The International Coalition for Religious Freedom is looking for young people to fill 3 part-time positions. PAID!!
Update the ICRF web site at www.religiousfreedom.com.
Translate documents from Japanese to English
Research/update reports on religious freedom in countries throughout the world
Work at our office in Greenbelt MD, or from home –10 to 20 hours per week. Great work for a student or young parent. Please let us know if you qualify for any or all of the above jobs. Contact or send resume to Diana Weber.