Dear Church family,
               We had a wonderful vacation week with our older son Toby, staying in the Virginia piedmont, home to several Presidents.  We visited both Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home in Charlottesville, and Montpelier, James Madison’s home near Orange.   We had visited these historic homes before, but what struck us this time was how much attention the interpreters now give to the enslaved peoples upon which both plantations heavily depended.. Numerous individual stories were told about those enslaved persons whose lives had so long remained invisible. 
               .  Both homes did a wonderful job articulating the incredible contributions Jefferson and Madison made to the creation of the American republic, while acknowledging the deep moral flaws of these founding fathers. 
               It is hard for us in our time to comprehend how slavery was accepted and justified by those staunch advocates of liberty and justice.  Jefferson especially knew it was wrong, but nevertheless enslaved over 600 people during his lifetime to maintain his lifestyle.  It is tempting, but unwise to claim moral superiority.  Their example is a profound and sobering reminder of our Christian conviction that the world isn’t neatly divided into good and evil, but that all of us are mixture of saint and sinner.   Our flaws may not be as egregious (nor our accomplishments as profound),  as these founding fathers, but our lives always stand as testimony that by God’s grace  we are forgiven sinners.  Our foray into history gave us pause for thought. 
               Our walk through Genesis has certainly reminded us how God works through flawed people. This week we will look at Joseph’s encounter with his estranged brothers. The sermon is “The Painful Price” and the scriptures are Genesis 42:6-25 and Matthew 16:13-20. In case you are wondering, 3 more sermons will complete the series! 
               Don’t forget this Sunday at 1 p.m Litchfield North Association is hosting a fellowship picnic at Winchester Center Congregational Church.  Details are in the attached flyer.
               And September is CROP month.  Tracy Atwood is coordinating our efforts.  Check out the website he has listed in his recent e-mail which gives information about contributing online.  Note as well plans for a walk on Sun, September 17 at 1 p.m. 
See you in church,
Rich