During the time of Lent a lot of people try to do a special Lenten exercise like quitting drinking, sweets, cigarettes or watching TV.  Here is another one:  dealing with people we don't like.

One of the most difficult challenges in daily life is to deal with people we don't particularly like.  There are people that we take an immediate dislike to the minute we meet them.  Other times, familiarity breeds contempt.  In other words, the longer we know them, the less tolerant of them we become.  Our decisions about other people are based on their behavior, appearance, mannerisms, etc.  And, frequently, we are informed by less obvious details such a voice inflections or even the scent of their cologne or after shave.  The range of our reactions runs from tolerance and acceptance to avoidance and aggression.

Whatever our response, our reactions tell more about us than about others!  I still remember what my professor for pastoral care always said: “What people say about others, they say about themselves actually.” 

The traits that we love or hate in others often reflect the things that we love or hate about ourselves.  Frequently, what we view in others (good or bad) is only a reflection of ourselves.  If we approach life as if others were only mirroring back to us the images of how we are perceived, I believe that we will become more tolerant, accepting, forgiving and loving, even in the midst of anger, irritation and injury.  The old adage that “time heals all wounds” has considerable merit, but time offers only opportunities for reconciliation; we must make the effort.

So, if you don't like your neighbor, reflect upon your attitudes and shortcomings.  Seek always to do the most loving thing.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Sound familiar?  Think about it.
 
Have a blessed time of Lent.

Rev. Wilfried
Rev. Wilfried Glabach
minister@sanfranciscoucc.org 

 

 
IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING
At the Winter Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 19th, the members unanimously voted to authorize the Building 5 Committee to proceed with a construction contract for a $4 million building. The Committee will now finalize the construction contract and issue a "Notice to Proceed".  The city permit sign is in the window of 1302 Polk Street, and WE ARE READY TO BEGIN!

 
We will receive our "One Great Hour of Sharing" offering on Sunday, March 19th. This offering goes to support the world wide mission efforts of the United Church of Christ.  You may drop your One Great Hour of Sharing envelope in the offering, or mail it to the church at:   

First Congregational Church
1323 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109.

One Great Hour of Sharing is the special offering of the United Church of Christ that serves persons with needs resulting from natural disasters and political or economic crises. This offering supports programs of sustainable development, emergency relief, disaster response, social service, and refugee resettlement. It works by channeling resources for the self-empowerment of communities and individuals victimized by hunger, poverty, and injustice. 

Eight Christian denominations and Church World Service work together to develop common promotional materials, sharing ideas and costs. Each denomination receives and manages their respective OGHS offerings. 

More than 50% of the UCC's offering supports international development initiatives, including annual support for approximately ten missionaries working in health care, education, and agricultural development. Gifts are also used for disaster response (26%), social services (13%), and refugee assistance (9%). 

• Joy-Susan Karyl, for her faithfulness as Editor of the COLUMNS for 10 years.
• Brad Peterson, for his help with our move out of 1300-1302 Polk and the setup of 1323 Polk.
• Our neighbors and their continued help and support, especially Quick Printing, Will of Leland Tea Co. and Liam of  S.N.O.B.
• Rolf Schutte, for sponsoring the showing of the Bonhoeffer film and following reception.

• Set up and clean up for Fellowship Hour.  See Ken Tipton or Lucille Dean.
• Like to sing?  Join the choir.  Rehearsal is 9:15 AM  Sunday mornings.  See Music Director Jonathan Russell for more information.

 If you have any questions or need further information, you may contact Treasurer Nancy McManus.

• March 1st:   Ash Wednesday with introduction and discussion on Lent -- 7 PM                      
• March 8th:     Book Study:  The Purpose Driven Life -- 7 PM
• March 15th:   Movie Night:  "Where Jesus Walked: A visual pilgrimage of  the Holy Land. " Discussion follows -- 7 PM
• March 22nd:  House Meeting at Wilfried's home with potluck dinner -- 6:30 PM.  Discussion -- 7:30 PM.  Please RSVP to Wilfried and ask for directions to his home.  
• March 29th:  Lenten Worship Service -- 7 PM

THURSDAY CIRCLE
Marilyn Carlson will host the Thursday Circle meeting on March 2nd at 11:45 AM.   Please bring a lunch or sandwich, as coffee and a light dessert will be served.

All members and friends are invited.