Newsletter: October 26, 2022: Knowing When to Give Up

This Sunday — Knowing When to Give Up:

Dear Friends:

In my work with social ventures, I've noticed a pattern. The ones that work out in the long run are not the best ideas, but instead, those with leaders who are tenacious and coachable. 

All of us are wrestling with something right now. Simply being tenacious and sticking things out isn't always the best strategy in life. There are times when you need to quit your job, end a relationship, or end a project you've given yourself to.

When do you stick and when do you quit? How do you know the difference? What can we learn from Jacob's wrestling with an angel? How does God's plan or providence in our life impact when we should stay or leave?

We'll wrestle with these questions Sunday. I hope to see you.

  — Rich Tafel

Readings for The Coming Sunday:

Genesis 32:22-32 (New Living Translation)

Jacob Wrestles with God

22 During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. 23 After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. 24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. 25 When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 “What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.” 28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel,[a] because you have fought with God and with men and have won.” 29 “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said. “Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there. 30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” 31 The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel,[b] and he was limping because of the injury to his hip. 32 (Even today the people of Israel don’t eat the tendon near the hip socket because of what happened that night when the man strained the tendon of Jacob’s hip.)

John 17:13

13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

Arcana Cœlestia, n. 8560

Divine Providence differs from all other leading and guidance in this, that it constantly focused on what is eternal, and continually leads to our salvation. This requires that we grow through various states. Sometimes we are glad and other times we are sad, and often we are in states which we just cannot understand at all. Yet, in all this God moves us toward heaven.  

Recap of Last Week:

Last Sunday (10/23) we explored the topic of spiritual power, and how to use it for the greater good.

"There's a lot of negative talk right now in our culture about privilege and the idea that people need to check their privilege or get rid of or renounce their privilege, and I disagree with that," said Rev. Tafel. "Privilege is power, and we need to embrace that, which also comes with an obligation to help others. To whom much is given, much is expected. So that if we have power, if we're blessed with power, we have an obligation to use it for good."

We recorded the community discussion that followed that sermon, which can be accessed here.

Support for Ukraine:

Canada Ukraine Foundation Awards

On Monday (10/24) we learned that the Canada Ukraine Foundation awarded nearly $CAD 550,000 ($405,000 USD) to the Youth Movement "Be Free", which is one of our CHC fundraising beneficiaries.

The grant will fund 2,000 heating and cooking stoves to be delivered to some of the poorest communities in Ukraine by December. This really means survival for a lot of these families, as the region is heading for a very tough winter season. 

Thank you to all in the extended Church of the Holy City community for keeping Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers.

Overheard on the Grapevine:

Royal Hospital School Performs at CHC 

Last week the Church of the Holy City received the joyous gift of children's voices, as the Royal Hospital School from Suffolk, England, performed at the church facilities.

See the photos above from this wonderful impromptu event above.

Honoring a Dear Friend and CHC Past President

Helen Sioris

Sharing a lovely picture of Elfa Halloway, who brought chrysanthemums to place at the grave of our Past President, Helen Sioris.

Ms. Helen transitioned to the spiritual world in 2021, having made a significant impact on our community through her leadership, generosity and sheer courage to forge ahead when the future of our Church was very uncertain.

Thank you, Elfa, for this special remembrance.

Thought for the Week:

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