From the Senior Pastor

Dear Beloveds,

 

I start with the Magnolia tree today, as my picture-taking allowed me to discern what I would write to you this week.

 

I considered the tree from a number of angles, and then found myself looking up.

 

 

I looked up at the branches of the Magnolia tree and saw them against the background of a bright blue sky. That is one of my favorite scenes when gazing at creation — dark branches, with no leaves, against a blue sky.

 

I noticed while all the leaves were gone from up above, I heard the crunch of dry leaves beneath my feet.

 

The seasonal reality of creation settled in me.

 

Does the absence of leaves make the presence of God any less?

 

Does the pending season of winter make a way for new understandings of God?

 

The Magnolia tree was offering questions rather than answers yesterday…

 

In preaching on Sunday with the Advent theme of Hope, Justin pointed out to me that there was a collective almost “sigh,” when I asked the question of the assembly — is anyone longing for Collective Hope?

 

Collective Hope is not just the sum of all our individual hopes. As people of faith, collective hope includes God’s dream for the world.

 

When I was outside yesterday, and found myself listening to the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, I was looking up.

 

The leaves were once on the Magnolia tree and other companion trees.

 

The tree had changed.

 

How is change part of who God is and how God is?

 

Maybe this is a letter of questions…Advent questions for individuals and faith collectives and communities like our congregation.

 

May you find a way to connect with other people to engage questions that cultivates faith — a faith that shows up in Pandemic Advent #2.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Karen Brau
 

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Here is a picture of the book I used in Sunday's sermon, Sharice’s BIG VOICE: A Native Kid becomes a Congresswoman by US Congresswoman Sharice Davids with Nancy K. Mays.

 

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From the Council President

Congregational Annual Meeting Date Change

ALL MEMBERS are invited to attend Luther Place's Annual meeting on Sunday, February 6th, 1PM EST

The church office will be closed December 27-January 1

Singing, Wednesdays at 12:30pm

The Luther Place Staff invites you to a short time of singing together at LP each Wednesday at 12:30pm.
Reach out to Justin for more details.
 

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Ward 2 Mutual Aid

Ward 2 Mutual Aid Homeless Encampment Outreach is seeking winter supplies in solidarity with our neighbors who are unhoused.

 Donations of tarps, blankets and sleeping bags, hot-hand hand-warmers, duct-tape/gorilla tape, wool socks (L or XL), thermal t-shirts and pants, hoodies and jackets (L and XL), women's sweatpants and long sleeve shirts (M and L) are welcomed.

You can drop donations off at Luther Place on Thursdays from 6-7 pm or at The Outrage (1811 14th Street NW) during business hours. 

Email w2mutualaid@gmail.com to get involved! You can also view packing and delivery shifts here.