From the Senior Pastor
Dear Beloveds,
Happy New Year to you!
As I am gathering with people at a distance in-person or online, what I am noticing is that people are finding it difficult to hold on to the hope that we cultivated through Advent and Christmas of 2021.
This week while I was out walking our dogs, one of our neighbors synthesized their weariness and worry into one short line — Can you believe we are starting year number “3” of the pandemic?
I shook my head in response.
We may acknowledge our exhaustion, yet how do we cope?
We may acknowledge our collective grief, yet how do we bear it?
We may long for the stress and strain to cease, yet how can we face where we are?
I came and stood by the magnolia tree this week, and I watched it awhile.
Neither of us moved.
What could the magnolia tree offer while it is in its phase of winter dormancy? This time of year where all of the tree's energy is going towards maintaining its good health in erratic winter weather — is there any message beyond going back to bed and pulling the covers over our heads?
The tree remained still — it seems to know how to pause and wait for what’s next.
Maybe that is a small lesson in coping.
Pause and wait.
And I would add, pause and wait in faith.
As part of our congregation’s Faith Formation, we will offer a new way to pause and wait by spending 30 min on Saturday mornings, online, guided by the scripture assigned for the following day.
This will be an experiment we try through Lent.
Could it be that the simple gifts of scripture, community and God’s longing to connect with us creates a safe space for holding our lives through the difficult season we are in?
Let us find out together.
Stay tuned to next week's eNews for the details on connecting — for now, whatever age you are, consider showing up next Saturday at 10am as part of the virtual body of Christ.
I pray your blessing at the start of 2022.
In Christ,
Pastor Karen Brau
