Changing the light

Tomorrow (May 21) is Ascension Day. Forty days after Easter, Jesus ascended into heaven, to be seated at the right hand of the Father.

Here's the appointed Gospel reading for the day, from Luke 24:44-53

⁴⁴[Jesus said to the eleven and those with them,] “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.”⁴⁵Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, ⁴⁶and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
  ⁵⁰Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. ⁵¹While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. ⁵²And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; ⁵³and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

The ascension is not quite a happy day for the disciples. Here they are, having gone through the emotional whiplash of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection, and now he's leaving again - this time for good. I imagine they don't quite feel ready. Not ready to grieve all over again, not ready to figure out life in the "new normal", not ready to continue Jesus' ministry in his absence. Not ready, but it doesn't matter. Jesus leaves anyway.

Today's featured picture is a painting by Disciples of Christ pastor and artist Rebekah Krevens (as an aside, I've purchased a subscription for her weekly lectionary images, and I am eager to share more!). I love this image of a candle, flame extinguished and smoke rising. It reminds me of a script from the baptism story in the Montessori-inspired faith formation program called Godly Play. Here's what the leader says, at the very end:

"Now let me show you something. Let's change the light. No. I did not say we were going to put it out or extinguish it. Watch. I will show you mine first.

Do you see how all the light is right here in the flame? It is easy to see then. Now watch. It changes.

See? The light is still spreading out. It is filling up the room. Just because you can't see it anymore doesn't mean that it is gone. Anywhere you go in the room today, there it will be. Our room will be full of invisible light."

Isn't that a beautiful image for the ascension? What a grace-filled reminder for the disciples, and for us. The ascension of Jesus doesn't mean that he's leaving - not really. Instead, the light of the world is changing. That which was visible becomes invisible in body, and yet is still present. Jesus is still present. His love and grace are still spreading out across the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit and made visible in the works of those who love him. His body and blood are invisible but present in the bread and wine we receive at the Communion table. Anywhere you go in the world today, there Jesus will be.

That's the promise - Jesus is with us always! With us even when we can't see him in the ways we expect, with us when our church building is closed, with us when we feel abandoned and alone, with us when we grieve, with us when we rejoice. 

Perhaps you might light your own candle, and then gently blow it out. Say a prayer as you watch the light change and disperse. Give thanks for the God who is invisible and yet present. Pray that this presence might strengthen and comfort you today.

With hope,
Pastor Kerri

Other resources for Ascension Day: 

• An excellent poem by Jan Richardson - Blessing in the Leaving
• An improvisation on Alleluia, Sing to Jesus, played by Valerie, and lyrics

Building Update

Our building is currently closed for in-person worship and activities through May 31, 2020. The Executive Committee (Alan Sandusky, Cindy Workman, Rod Gunderson, Sally Stoots, Pastor Kerri) along with the Council will be in conversation this week about next steps, and the congregation will be informed as soon as possible.

Though we are eager to see one another again, the reality is that it may be too risky to gather in person in our usual way for a long time. As we discern, we are utilizing resources from our SWPA Synod office, the ELCA Churchwide office, the state government, and other relevant organizations. 

Rest assured - your safety is our highest priority! Whenever we are able to meet in person again, we plan to continue offering worship online and are exploring options for more permanent technology to facilitate this.

If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to share them. 

Celebrate Pentecost

Pentecost Sunday is May 31, and we need your help to celebrate! 

Here's what you can do:

• Print, color, and cut this Pentecost coloring sheet. If you need a printed copy in the mail, contact Pastor Kerri or the office.
• Put on your favorite red outfit.
• Take a picture with or without your coloring sheet.
• Send it to Pastor Kerri via text or email by Friday, May 29 (or I'd be happy to come take a picture of you!). Photos will be included in a video slideshow in worship on May 31 - can't wait to see all your smiling faces!

Help enrich our worship!

Do you have a gift for music, visual art, dance, poetry, or storytelling that could be shared as part of our online worship? We'd love to see or hear it! Be in touch with Pastor Kerri for more information about how you can share your gifts and participate in leading worship in this way. 

2020 graduates

Is your child or grandchild graduating from high school or college this spring? We'd love to celebrate them and hear about their future plans. Please send their name, photo, and post-graduation plans to Pastor Kerri by Friday, June 5.

For young adults

Young adults ages 18-35 are invited to gather online with other ELCA young adults in small groups to build community and share in discussion. Groups will meet via video for an hour a week all summer. Sign up here.

Night Prayer

Dial-a-Hymn with Valerie

Valerie Stipcak, our organist, has offered a "dial-a-hymn" service for anyone who would wish it! On Sundays between 11am and noon, you may call Valerie at 724-388-1038 to request a hymn, which she will play over the phone for you. If she doesn't answer, leave a message and she'll call back.

Offering

Thank you for your faithful and generous giving even in these uncertain times! Checks may be mailed to the church (please include your regular offering envelope if possible - it helps counting go more quickly), or you may wish to set up automatic bill pay through your bank.

Online giving is now available through Tithe.ly. This platform is very convenient, but does include a small transaction fee (covered either by the giver or by Trinity). For this reason, mailed checks or bill pay options may be preferred for regular givers.

Trinity has received a loan/grant through the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program. These funds, along with your financial gifts, will allow us to continue to pay our staff, support our neighbors in need, and engage in ministry together.

Please contact Rod Gunderson (Treasurer) or Cindy Workman (Financial Secretary) if you have questions.

For kids & young families

Bible Storytime - Join Pastor Kerri and Wade on Trinity's Facebook page on Thursdays at 10:30am for a story and songs together. Here's last week's video.

Family Sunday School - Sparkhouse is offering free videos and worksheets for family Sunday School each week - check it out here.

Daily Bible Readings