From the Pastor's Desk
September 2025
But on you will go though the weather be foul. . .
On you will go, onward up many a frightening creek,
Though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike. And I know you'll hike far
And face up to your problems whatever they are. So. . .
Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
Or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O" Shea,
You're off to Great Places! Today is your day!
So. . .get on your way!
So ends the final book written by the inimitable Theodore Geisel aka Dr. Seuss. "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" encourages us to move beyond the waiting places in our lives, either physical, emotional or spiritual to explore the world that lies just beyond our reach. We have spent a portion of the summer musing about the intersection of the wisdom Dr. Seuss and the biblical truths that shape our spiritual lives. We concluded with the admonition to get on our way and explore the world that calls us forward.
As I write I have just returned from an amazing week exploring the Canadian Rockies. It was one of those trips that people include on their "bucket list" and it did not disappoint. The beauty was beyond description. It is astounding how millions of years ago, natural chaos disruption formed the majestic mountains, lakes and landscape that we were privileged to explore each day. Every morning, we set out on a new adventure, challenging ourselves to move beyond what we thought we were physically capable of in order to witness a new lake or waterfall or "ink pot"; all part of this amazing landscape.
As we travelled, I thought of the wisdom of our beloved Dr. Seuss and the adventures that we are about to embark on together as the church. The most formidable journey we will take together this year is our discernment process to become an Open and Affirming church. As with any good adventure, we will take time to prepare ourselves for the journey. We have solicited the leadership of members who are gifted and excited to lead us through this process. This ONA ministry team will gather the thoughts, questions and desires of the church. We will learn and laugh and wonder together. We may hear the testimony of other churches who have taken this journey before us and the stories of folks in the LGBTAQ+ community for whom encountering a welcoming community has been essential to their faith journeys.
I trust that the Spirit will guide us to articulate our concerns, questions, desires and hopes for the future. In the coming months you will receive more information and invitations to join in this sacred process. Oh, the places we will go! This is our theme for the coming year. Where are we heading as faith community? What calling has God placed upon our heart that will sustain our life together? How does our faith call us to respond to this moment; to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, to confront injustice and create the beloved community in the name of Christ? Where will the spirit call us to offer compassion and mercy? Oh, the places we will go! I can imagine we are in for quite an adventure! May the Spirit be our guide and sustainer this day and always!
Peace,
Rev. Lynne
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