[Oe List ...] From today's service at the Aptos UMC

[Ruth Landmann]

This morning John Dodson, whom some of you know from years ago, (He 
was in Evanston, ILL., and knew JWM and other early leaders of EI,.) 
preached at our church, where he's also a member and one of several 
retired UMC pastors who've had experience with EI. His sermon was 
entitled: Let's have a green Christmas!. After the sermon we sang a 
song that our regular pastor, David Vallelunga, wrote. David is a 
very gifted preacher and poet. He wrote this song to the tune of 
"White Christmas."

Here it is:

GREEN CHRISTMAS

Intro: The sun is shining, the grass is green
the apple and palm trees sway,
There's never been such a day
In our Cal-i-for-ni-ay...
But this old world's in a panicked state;
Too many folks think that it's too late!

Chorus: I'm dreaming of a Green Christmas,
Just like the ones we never knew;
Where the treetops glisten, and leaders listen,
and hear us all, not just a few...

I'm dreaming of a Green Christmas
With every thoughtful cent I spend;
May your days be hopeful and bright,
and may faith reveal the way that's right...

Interlude: The banks are struggling, the lans
are tight, and everyone wants to scream,
This isn't the world we'd planned,
Where people and foods are canned...
But still our faith and hope are strong,
Sus-tain-abil-i-ty's our new song!

New Chorus: I'm dreaming of a Green Christmas
not like the ones we've always had;
Where the stress is taxing, and credit's
maxing, and everybody's mood is bad!

I'm dreaming of a Green Christmas
With every thoughtful cent I spend;
May your days be full of good cheer,
and may Love be your currency this year!

John's sermon echoed a lot of what is in this song. It gave people a 
lot to think about.
Ruth
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