First Congregational Church
164 Deer Hill Ave.
Danbury, CT 06810
Phone:(203) 744-6177

Joy on Pink Sunday

Try not to define the difference between joy and happiness. It doesn’t really matter, as long as we generate a smile in others.

Rev. Pat Kriss(Posted December 8, 2021)

This coming Third Advent Sunday is also known as our “Pink Sunday,” the Sunday of Joy because we’re drawing nearer to Christmas.

In our congregation we will especially celebrate what would be the 100th birthday of our beloved Dorothy Johnson, who for decades as Church Administrator, kept our congregation’s “trains on the track.” (More about Dorothy on Sunday.)

Church Services on Sunday

In-Person Service begins at 10 a.m. Facemasks are optional if you are fully vaccinated.

Watch us on Facebook: We livestream our services to Facebook. You may view them live or on demand at www.Facebook.com/DanburyChurch/videos.

In fact, joy can take many forms, including remembering. My gifted colleague Reverend Maren Tirabassi took time this week to remind us that even clergy shouldn’t try to define for others the difference between joy and happiness. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter, as long as we generate a smile in others.

I’m sharing a poem from Maren Tirabassi. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if a few beautiful “ugly sweaters” show up. Blessings to you all.

Celebrate the Sunday of Happiness

How many sermons have I preached
seriously suggesting that
“happiness,” is not “joy,”

but only a trivialized replacemen
tfor the true depths of Advent?
Who am I to decide between them,
and avoid giving
little happy times to people?
For someone
one happy moment might define

the joy of a whole season.
Get the tabletop tree

and put it in the dining room
where more people see it.
Do the mitten drive (it’s not a manger
and it is also not rent)
but some folks need warm fingers
to recognize the manger
already in their lives.

Buy the silly toy
which may be remembered longer.
Send a paper card. Make a phone call,
especially after a loss.
Go caroling in assisted living facility,
correctional institution, border shelter,
under-the-bridge, camp-in-woods
where the unhoused gather
(Avoid ‘I’ll be home…’ ‘There’s no place…’)
Put on a mask; no one expects you
to be a herald angel.
Wear the holiday sweater –
it’s not ugly if one person smiles.               – Rev. Maren Tirabassi

Information

First Congregational Church
164 Deer Hill Ave.
Danbury, CT 06810
Est. 1696

Phone: (203) 744-6177
Email: office@danburychurch.org​

Office Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday Closed

Thrift Shop Hours:
Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sunday Worship:
Sunday   10:00 a.m.–11 a.m.

 

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