From the Pastor's Desk
"When everything is uncertain, everything that is important becomes clear." ~ Sister Joan Chittister
I appreciate the wise words of our sibling in Christ. Sr. Joan Chittister. The summer season often provides us with the chance to regroup, recharge, and reflect. Perhaps you commit to read that book that has been on your desk for months. you look forward to early morning walks and sitting on the back deck at dusk to enjoy a glass of lemonade or perhaps a good Chardonay. Maybe your summer plans include a trip to some place fabulous or spending more time with family. That is the intention of the summer solstice.
I hope you will also take time this summer to hold this community in your prayers. I invite you to ask God to reveal what you can do to be part of the unfolding mission of the church. Perhaps you do not see yourself as playing a more "active" role in this work, however, you can support what others are doing through your prayers and your words of encouragement. Everyone can lean in with curiosity to wonder where the Spirit is taking the church and what new life is just ready to reveal itself.
I also invite you to acknowledge your feelings of grief or uncertainty. As the things in our lives that we have cherished shift and change, there is a sense of loss. This is where Sr. Chittister's wisdom applies. "When everything is uncertain, everything that is important becomes clear." The work we undertake together includes seeking that clarity. Many things in the church are uncertain. This is not unique to this particular church but to "the church." When chaos arises, we tend to move toward that which is comfortable and safe. The time to remain in our comfort zone has passed. God is calling us to determine what is most important to us and where we can be part of creating beloved community.
The work awaits us as we complete our time of summer sabbath. If you are interested inbeing part of the discernment team for the Open and Affirming process, please let Rev. Lynne or Lee Hawkes know. We will be forming that group soon and we are excited to hear of your interest. As the Spirit moves you, please let us know where your passion lies and what ideas you might have for the church. As the great summer camp song reminds us, "it only takes a spark to get a fire going. . ." What is your spark? We are anxious to hear.
I share the following prayer for these days written by our sibling, Rev. Cameron Trimble.
Spirit of Truth,
When the world spins with distortion, anchor us in what is real.
When spectacle tempts us to abandon our values, root us in quiet courage.
Let us not turn away from what we see--but let what we see make us more compassionate,
more courageous, more awake. May our lives be a signal of another possibility. Amen.
Many blessings!
Rev. Lynne
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