Beth's Blogs

Hi Beth,

IWhat’s happened to the Strawberry Festival and the service at Lake Needwood, June traditions of Rockville United Church?

Missing Them

I am sorry you have missed them; they are indeed a special time to worship and share with other RUC members and guests. I hope the activities surrounding the 40th anniversary, helped to compensate for these two events. Because RUC was founded 40 years ago on June 25th, the 40th Anniversary Committee chose this past week-end for the 40th Anniversary Party. We also found out that the point at Needwood where we always worshipped was washed out by last summer’s flood so that was not an option this summer. As far as the Strawberry Festival goes, its sponsor, the Fellowship Committee, contributed mightily to our anniversary celebration and helped host the jazz fest after Sunday’s worship. We got our glorious jazz in with Jim Levy, Greg Shook, our former organist, Coleman O’Donoghue, and others. There were a few strawberries, and of course, the jammin’! I hope you can look back and say, “What a week-end; I am glad to be part of RUC! !

Hello Beth,

Why did you say “Yes” again to being an Elder on the Council? Why did you say “Yes” to serving as President of the Rockville United Church Council? Aren’t you burned out?

Just Curious

Being an Elder requires commitment, energy, and love. I thought it would be beneficial to the Council and RUC to remain on Council to assist in the transition of a new minister. I find serving on the Council has grown my faith, my skills, and my friendships with other spiritual, talented, and hard-working members who want to make a difference in the world. I wouldn’t have missed the opportunity! I feel humbled and honored to be elected as President and I hope and pray that together we can continue toward “the best is yet to be at RUC.”

Hi Beth,

What is the significance of the song, Day by Day, at the close of each 40th Anniversary party?

Love the Song

The 40th Anniversary Committee chose the song, Day by Day, from the musical Godspell to be its closing prayer/song for each monthly celebration as it was popular at the time RUC was founded. Its words are also very significant and come from a prayer written by Richard of Chichester (1197-1253): “O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, and follow Thee more nearly, day by day.” My thanks go to Katherine Epley who gave me the background.

Dear Beth,

How do we get to know Duncan, our new minister?

Interested Ivan

Duncan tells me that he is making a point of visiting 1-3 families per week. If you don’t want to wait your turn, I suggest you reach out to him at our fellowship time after worship and at the various social activities we have. Since he needs to eat sometime, invite him to go out to lunch or dinner or entertain him in your home. He also plans to do some Adult Ed things this fall. I find him a good listener! Try him; you’ll like him!

Dear Readers,

The Rev. Patricia Barth, a member of Rockville United Church, has been called to be the Interim Conference Minister for the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ. Wow! And congratulations, Patricia! We knew her back when she was working on her Master of Divinity Degree at Wesley Seminary. Lately we have not seen her or her husband Ed Scorza regularly at RUC because she has been serving as an interim pastor to churches in the area. We wish you well! Come see us so we can hug and congratulate you personally.

Love and cheers,

Beth

Readers with questions should write Beth Pattison, President of RUC Church Council, at BPattison@RockvilleUnitedChurch.org, ask her directly, or leave the question in her mailbox at RUC.