Jan. 16, 2026
Dear Friends,
Recently we celebrated the Affirmation of Baptism service for our 9th grade Confirmation students.
That service—and, indeed, the whole week following the Baptism of Our Lord celebration on Jan. 11—reminds us of God’s love for each of us; the community we share as God’s people; and the gift and responsibility of being named and claimed as beloved children of God.
As they affirm their baptisms, our Confirmands promise, among other things:
- “To live among God’s faithful people,” which is a reminder not only that each of us needs community, but that the community needs each of us.
- “To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,” which is a reminder that we reflect God’s love in the world not only through what we say, but through what we do.
- “To serve all people, following the example of Jesus, striving for justice and peace in all the earth,” which is a call for each of us, in our own way, to make the kingdom of God a more present reality here and now.
I do not need to tell you that we are living in difficult and challenging times. Our already polarized and divided culture is being divided even further by events during the past week. During times like these, we need to rely on our faith more than ever, and I invite us all to reflect on the baptismal promises that our 9th graders will affirm tomorrow. Specifically:
- I give thanks for the strong community we share at St. Philip the Deacon, and pray that we can lean on one another and celebrate our unity as children of God.
- I give thanks for the life-giving promise of the Gospel, and pray that we can both hear and share the truth that the God who loves the world—and loves each of us—will indeed redeem all things.
- I give thanks for the call God has on our lives, and pray that we can respond—as God always calls us to respond—in love to our neighbors who are most in need.
How Can I Help?
One of the questions I and the other pastors have received over the last few days is: “How can I help?” We have already been responding in a number of ways to organizations and individuals St. Philip the Deacon has good and close relationships with, and members who have reached out to help have been very generous with their time and resources.
If you would like to assist in any of these efforts, we are aware of families who need the following items, which can be dropped off at church, or funds for us to help purchase them:
- Hygiene products (for both adults & youth)
- Home supplies (dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.)
- Activities for youth at home (coloring, puzzles, board games, etc.)
- Gift cards (VISA, Cub, Aldi, etc.)
- Paper grocery bags or boxes
- Donations can be made on our Giving site. Please choose the “Angel Fund” and write “Helping Neighbors” in the designation field.
We also know that, in addition to your prayers and your financial support, our long-time partner Interfaith Outreach is in need of additional volunteer support. You can sign up for shifts at https://iocp.org/volunteers/.
Please know that the pastors are available to listen, to speak and to pray with you, and you are always welcome to come and sit in the Sanctuary if you would like a space for quiet reflection and prayer.
Thank you for all you do as the Body of Christ to reflect God’s light and love to what can be a dark and challenging world. And thank you for your prayers for our neighbors, for everyone who works to keep us safe in our community, and for our 9th graders and their families.
In Christ,
Tim Westermeyer
Senior Pastor
Canasta Básica
The “Canasta Básica” (basic basket) is a list of essential food and household items for families in many Latin American countries. The prices of these basic items are monitored by governments to assess basic living expenses in the population, and monitor the effects of inflation and government economic policy. When prices on these items increase, anti-inflation measures may be implemented, like price agreements that keep the basket affordable.
We are presenting the Canasta Básica as a list of food stuffs that you can donate, that would be culturally appropriate to many families seeking assistance. PLEASE ALWAYS CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATES OF ANY FOODS YOU DONATE.
The Canasta Básica includes:
- canned tuna
- canned sardines
- canned chicken
- beans
- eggs
- vegetable oil
- milk
- rice
- soup pasta
- brown sugar
- sliced bread
- corn tortillas
- tomatoes
- plantains
- apples
- carrots
- onions
- potatoes
- jalapeños
- limes/lemons
- toilet paper
- soap
