Wednesday, September 16^th, 2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
 Dear Friends,
 
I hope soon to announce officially that the sanctuary will be open for private prayer on Thursday 24 September from 4 to 6 p.m. (I mention it now so you can mark your calendars.) While there will be no organized service, you may come and sit in the space to pray and meditate. Physical distancing, masks, sign in with temperature check, and registration/contact tracing will be operative. Only fifty people at a time will be allowed in. Bring your own Bible or hymnals if you wish, as the pew materials have all been removed as a safety precaution. Come enjoy the light and silence. Final details are still being worked out.
 
* * *
 
Robin DiAngelo writes in “White Fragility” that if we don’t know our prejudices (or fail to admit them), we won’t know what to change. I surprised myself when I admitted some of my prejudices. What are some of yours? 
 
waitresses with pierced tongues; 
people with a strong accent that I can’t easily understand; 
all people of color; 
young white men with long hair; 
anybody with tattoos; 
panhandlers of any race; 
obese people; 
people who litter; 
people who smoke;
people with “all the answers;” 
cat lovers;
rude people;
people who lie;
speeders;
people who put down the other team, regardless of the sport;
graduates of Kecoughtan High School, Hampton, VA;
anybody too much like me.
 
I’m constantly working to change, to grow, and to become the person God wants me to become. “Denying that we have [biases] ensures that we won’t examine or change them.”
 
* * *
 
When we work together, we get stuff done. You won’t believe this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZL7TqSeDus&feature=youtu.be
 
News:
 
Wednesday Night Vespers: We have some music for you and some time to visit. Be there or be square. 7 p.m. on Zoom.
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

 
* * *
Humor (Hard times need godly laughter): 
 
Three more classics from Dave Hunter:
 
1 Why can’t a bicycle stand up on it’s own? It’s just two tired.
 
2 I couldn’t believe the highway department called my dad a thief. But when I got home,
all the signs were there
 
3 Have you heard about corduroy pillows? They’re making headlines
 
From Ruth Craddock: Single man with TP seeks single woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.
 
Good Word:

“HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO OBSERVE JUSTICE, WHO DO RIGHTEOUSNESS AT ALL TIME.” PSALM 106:3
 
LET US PRAY:
 
Holy God, continue, by your grace,
to guide our steps and lift our face
to your bright hope and love.
 
Help us to love others
in word and deed,
indeed with our whole selves.
 
AMEN
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
 Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church