Rev. Kent’s Upcoming Sabbatical
Every 5 years the congregation grants our pastor an extended time of sabbatical rest and renewal. Rev. Kent will be starting his next sabbatical on February 1 for two months.
A special “Sabbatical Service” pastor will be with us during his absence to preach and provide pastoral care, and to work alongside all the boards and committees to make sure our ministry is strong and vital. PRB had many qualified applicants, and have offered the position to UCC pastor, Rev. Christina Ryan Perkins (Berea College ‘98), who will begin on Jan. 26 to allow for a few days of overlap. Rev. Perkins was Homecoming Preacher in 2023 and we’re delighted for the opportunity to spend this sabbatical time serving together!
Also during this time, the congregation will be doing prayer work and discernment about what God is calling us to in the near future. Moderator Betsy Whaley, Church Council Chair Kim Kobersmith, and the Church Council will lead conversations and be helping develop ministry plans with your help. We hope sabbatical will be renewal for all of us, including Pastor Kent. Look for more information on these plans soon!
About Sunday Compline Service: The Sabbath Compline at 6:30 pm in Cowan Chapel is a night prayer of psalm, silence, and song — a creative hush with God at the end of the day at the beginning of the week.
Cowan Chapel is adjacent to Union Church on the Scaffold Cane Rd. side.
We will begin our compline this Sunday, January 12, with Psalm 147 verse 6, “The Lord lifts up the lowly,” and we’ll conclude the evening singing the Taizé song Ubi caritas (live in charity and steadfast love).
Community Meals Every Wednesday 5:30pm-6:30pm: “Open Table” is a “pay what you can” ($0-$$) catered meal open to anyone. Chef Deb Beishline and a wonderful crew of volunteers prepare the menu each week always with GF and Vegetarian-friendly options (other needs can be accommodated on request!). Our hope is to remember the gifts of connection with great food the chance to “rub elbows” with neighbors. The food is great, the company is better, the hungry are fed, and we pray the love Jesus will be shown!
Jan. 15 Menu: Build Your Own Taco
* Beef, Chicken, and Vegetable Options
* Various Fillings
* Tres Leches Cake
New Members Welcomed Next Week! As a family of faith committed to boldly & creatively embodying the life and ministry of Jesus, we would like to join with YOU. We’d like to be a context and inspiration for your own spiritual path, and work with you to make your heart, your world, your life more peace-filled and joy-full.
Next Sunday there will be an opportunity to covenant together — whether you are a member of the community who worships online, in-person, or both! No prior action on your part is required, but if you have any questions at all, we’d like to help. Working together, we want to make God’s love visible & real to all
Susana Lein brought a 12-inch round stainless steel bowl and a blue cloth to the Christmas Eve reception and we can’t find it anywhere. If you picked it up, or have an idea where it might be, pls call her at 859-893-3360.
Berea Room in the Inn needs volunteers for its 7th season! volunteer schedule is open for sign up for shifts on Meal Train: www.mealtrain.com/trains/k0yrvr.
Many thanks to friends at Bluegrass Kitchen for making a donation box to benefit RITI available! We picked up bags of warm clothes and toiletries last week!
Leave a Reply