Dear Catch Community Citizens,

As we stand on the cusp of bidding farewell to 2023 and ushering in the New Year, we invite you to join us for a heartfelt New Year’s Eve celebration and communion on Sunday night at 6:00 Pacific. We’ll be coming together on Facebook Live at facebook.com/thecatch to commemorate the occasion with a live reading of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “In Memoriam, (Ring out, wild bells).”

“Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky…” These words from Tennyson’s poem resonate with timeless significance, capturing the essence of saying goodbye to the old year and embracing the possibilities of the new. Written in 1850, yet speaking to a world grappling with rudeness and strife, it serves as a poignant reminder that the need for remedy and the peacemaking presence of “the Christ that is to be” is as relevant as ever.

To enhance our reflection, we are sharing the poem in three sections over the next 24 hours, leading up to the live public reading during our New Year’s Eve celebration and communion.

Here are the first three stanzas of “In Memoriam, (Ring out, wild bells):”

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

As you reflect on the first three stanzas of “Ring out, wild bells,” take some time to consider, Why are the bells and the sky “wild?”

Throughout 2023, the Catch Ministry has shared the Gospel of Welcome — Grace Turned Outward — with over 2 million known individuals, offering a remedy for all mankind. For many, we serve as a beacon of hope, especially during dire struggles to live out convictions and maintain relationships with Christ. Your continued investment in the ministry has facilitated personal responses to the hope found in the Gospel of Welcome.

Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate more fruit, more ministry, and more provision. As we navigate the challenges of the world and our own homes, we, as like-minded family members, appeal to you, our fellow ministers, to prayerfully consider making a special year-end, tax-deductible contribution.  (Click on the banner below)

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of our shared journey.

Blessings and best wishes for the New Year!

With Gratitude and Appreciation,

John and Marti

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

   The flying cloud, the frosty light:

   The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

   Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

   The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind

   For those that here we see no more;

   Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

   And ancient forms of party strife;

   Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,

   The faithless coldness of the times;

   Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes

But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,

   The civic slander and the spite;

   Ring in the love of truth and right,

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;

   Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;

   Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

   The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

   Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be.