Week of October 18-25

Unraveled in Exile

This week’s story of unraveling takes place in Babylon. The Israelites were forcibly removed from their land, homes, place of worship, and livelihood. Everything in them longed for home, and indeed certain prophets encouraged them with the words, “It will all be over soon.”

Jeremiah had a different message: “Plant a garden, and then eat the harvest. Build a home. Get married. Have children. And then, find spouses for those children. Pray for the place you find yourselves living in, even if it isn’t home. And work for the thriving of the city.” (Jer. 29:1-7). In other words, settle in for the long haul, because this isn’t ending any time soon. Keep showing up for your life, your family, and the community you find yourselves in. Keep on being human, and humane, in the midst of this experience of exile.

I believe we are in an experience of global unraveling that feels like exile. Long standing forces of destruction are being exposed. We are beginning to see the power of “empire”: patriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, violence against “outsiders”, the slaughter of indigenous people, the destruction of the climate, the tortuous morphing of Christianity – a faith founded by one who stood squarely on the margins for those on the margins – into an imperialistic church used to justify Empire. Covid has forced us to all stand still. We are seeing things we had never seen. All of this is very painful to see.

As winter approaches, it will be tempting to shut down, turn off, turn inwards, and self-medicate through whatever “drug” of choice numbs the discomfort – phones, social media, food, drink, overworking, sleep, rumination, or research; the list is long. However, Jeremiah’s words point towards activities that ground us in the present moment. He encourages us to keep building life in exile, rather than escaping life. He also encourages us to think beyond our own survival to the wellbeing of the places in which we dwell.

As you move through this week, here are some questions to think about, and a few of my answers for today:

What actions help ground you in the present moment?  
Today it is journaling in words the weight in my heart, and walking. 

What activities help me build my home? 
Yesterday, it was the unglamorous act of cleaning out my fridge.

 What actions keep me connected to family?
Saturday, it was eating take-out gyros at Peace Arch Park to celebrate my dad’s birthday, 

What actions keep me working for the thriving of my place?
This afternoon it was learning about the threats against indigenous people as they try to exercise sovereignty and protect their land. Exercising my right to vote. Maintaining social distance. Limiting social contacts. Staying home when I don’t feel 100%.

What actions help me keep praying?  
Remembering God’s Dream, which will not die, for the restoration of all things. Asking how I can be a part of this dream. Lying in bed, and remembering God is with us, and deep in my heart, when anxiety keeps me from sleeping.  Asking God for what I need to meet this day.

– Anne

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Our 2021 Budget

 

Pledging this October

As we enter into October, a season of Thanksgiving, the Leadership Team invites you to help us write a story for 2021 by making a pledge. What future we imagine for ourselves as a church depends in part on what we can each imagine ourselves giving. We understand that the unexpected happens: the year 2020 taught us that! You may end up being able to give more, or less, than your pledge; however, naming your giving intention helps us design Southpoint’s budget for 2021.

Please send your pledge amount directly to our bookkeeper, Sarah Adams (email) – it will be kept strictly confidential. Include your full name and the monthly amount you anticipate giving.

In Confidence and Gratitude,
– The Southpoint Leadership Team

A copy of the full letter from the Southpoint Leadership Team is here.

 

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Gratitude 

 

Umoja 

 

Southpoint is a committed supporter of Umoja’s work with newcomers and we are invited to Umoja’s ‘Still United as One’ virtual gala this Friday evening,October 23 at 6:30 pm by Zoom. The evening will be an online family-friendly adventure featuring an appearance from an award-winning band, guest speakers, powerful story-telling and culturally diverse entertainment. Anyone who registers early will be invited to view cooking demonstrations through a link that will be provided at the time of registration. Tickets to the gala are by donation and are available through the Umoja website.

Himalayan Life

Thanksgiving from Daniel Burghi, CEO: I am grateful for your continued support and friendship. Thank you for all the resources you have so faithfully contributed to our work of protecting, nurturing and educating children and families in need in the Himalayas. Save the date for our Himalayan Life Virtual Gala: Thursday, November 19, 7:00 pm.

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Together@Southpoint 

 

Worship

Oct 25:   Zoom Church
Nov 1:    Outdoor Church
Nov 8:     Zoom Church
Nov 15:   Outdoor Church
Nov 22:   Zoom Church
Nov 29:   Outdoor Church

This link provides all the information you need to attend Zoom church this Sunday.

Are you a regular and not in a Gathering? Contact Angela (email).

If you would like to join us for either Zoom or an Outdoor Church service, please contact Karin (email) for more information.

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Friendship Benches 

Cultivating small circles of connection, fun, and care during Covid:

Youth and Younger
If you’d like to know more about these groups contact Angela (angneufeld@gmail.com)

K-3 gathering at Kingfisher Farm
Wednesday, Oct 21, 4:00-5:15 pm

Monthly Roots Hangout
TBA for Nov  6:00-7:30 pm
Contact Anne, text (778) 878-4352? or email.

Small Zoom Circle for Women
Contact Anne, text (778) 878-4352? or email.

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Care

Prayer Hut
Thank you to Loriane who, with her husband, would like to make available the prayer hut in their back yard. If you’d like a little prayer retreat, please phone her to let her know when you hope to arrive. Curious? See a photo, here.

Prayer Chain
If you have a confidential prayer need, please contact John Hardy (email).

Pastoral Support
If you’re needing to talk or to pray, please call Anne (778-878-4352?).

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Supporting the Work of Southpoint

Thank you for considering your giving during this unusual time. Options include:

– via Pre-authorized debit (monthly or one-time) with this form (link). Cost to Southpoint is only $0.50.

– via Paypal to The Church at Southpoint. Cost is 3% of the donation. No Paypal account required.

– via Charitable Impact Foundation. Cost is 2.8% of the donation.