Dear Church Family,
I noticed with some amusement the announcement in last Sunday’s paper that a mayor in the Philippines signed an executive order requiring employees to smile when serving the public or face disciplinary action.  On the whole, we much prefer to encounter smiling people, but I’m not  sure joy is something that can be produced on command.  Though the mayor wants to spread positivity—a good goal--  we have to admit not every situation in life calls for smiling. 
Indeed, the Bible reminds us that there is a time for laughing and a time for crying.  It encourages us to be honest in our emotions, recognizing that God promises to be with us in times joy and sorrow.   Romans 12:15 reminds us of the call to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.”  I used to  quote this so often as a motto for how I approached ministry, that a friend created a stole for me depicting persons rejoicing and weeping.  
I value church as a place where we do not have to keep up a false front, and smile always on command.  Rather, I hope it is a community  where we can be honest  about the ups and downs of our lives, in confidence God grasps what we may be experiencing and our fellow Christians are there not to judge, but to encourage and support. 
The sermon for Sunday is “Making the Most of It” and the texts are Hosea 11:1-11 and Colossians 3:1-17. 
Additionally, I’ll be leading Sunday evening worship at 7 p.m. on the 24th at the Church in the Wildwood, in Colebrook, CT.  The service always begins with an old-fashioned hymn sing.  You are most welcome to join us.  It’s always nice to see familiar faces. 
See you in church.
Peace and Joy,
Rich