This week has been filled with encouragement amid the demands so pressing. Pastor Steve Angel, our Pastor Emeritus, reached out with blessings and vision for us that landed in some very timely texts to my phone. The Fundraising Committee had a fruitful meeting with efficiency AND deep discernment and unity (they don’t always go together…
Blessings and peace everyone. It looks like we’re ready to start growing into a worship experience via Zoom which is more tied to the sanctuary. There are plenty of tech things to be upgraded and solved in coming weeks, but I did buy the 100 ft cord which enables a strong enough signal to set…
In the Echo newsletter on its way to you is a short blurb on the Rev. Molly Carlson, newly called to serve as the Conference Minister of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ (our denomination). I got to meet her on Zoom a few weeks back and am SO EXCITED about the…
Among other pictures and metaphors, the Scripture for this week suggests the kingdom of God (the way and work of God) is like a tiny mustard seed. Tiny, but it grows and grows and grows. And the point from a series of metaphors is that God’s kingdom is NOT what we’d expect by our normal human…
Holy One, remind me in all of the Christ-revealing moments of this day that I walk a path ordained by Him and strengthened by His very breath. Allow my heart -whenever it’s defended unnecessarily – to soften in remembrance of the Truths of the Table. No nourishment other than sacrificial unity is truly satisfying. No…
Lord, make us hungry and fearless in pursuit of understanding, and the righteousness and health which spring from it. Do whatever it takes to humble my heart and sharpen my mind for the work that is truly mine. Still my own temptations to judgement and division, and assure in Your authority that my “yes” will…
Our Tuesday series “Peace in Corona Times” concluded this past week. What a rich gathering of care-full and respectful conversation on our diverse needs and understandings of what’s needed in this fragile and divided time. We had a total of 9 people participate in one or more session, including a number of visitors. Each week,…
That’s what I heard myself say as Erin and I discussed the latest email “phishing” attempt that led to some of receiving scammy requests from a fellow member’s email address. The inundating we face of people trying to scam and take advantage… it does set me on edge of compassion. Here’s the obligatory reminder: We will NEVER…
Tonight’s theme for the Peace Dialogue is “Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” an instruction from Jesus in Matthew 10. This verse is one of a handful that have been much on my heart since the challenges of the coronavirus have been upon us. The wisdom needed to embrace today’s pain and unrest…
A clergy friend of mine taught me this, a word he always says when presiding at the Communion table. “All that is required of you is that you come hungry.” Oh that we would abide in that invitation. To know our hunger and feel our need. For saving mercy and grace of Christ for sure.…
