Thoughts Along the Way . . .

“Today I am grateful for...” These are the words I use every day at the beginning of my “DailyGratitudes” blog. It’s not that I’m only thankful for one thing each day. I simply find that the practice of pausing to pay attention and reflect on one particular thing each day helps me to be more aware of all the blessings which surround me in each and every moment of my living. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I pause to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the privilege of being the pastor of this congregation in these days. Thank you for the ways in which you have welcomed me and embraced me. Thank you for the ways you have worked with me and supported me as together we seek to discover what God has in store for us next. May we continue to experience the guidance and direction of God’s Spirit.

~ Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thought Along the Way . . .

This morning I find myself reflecting on life and death and gratitude. Two friends are facing the imminent death of their fathers. Another friend just posted a refection on Facebook about the five year anniversary of her partner’s death, which triggered an awareness that I am only a few months away from such an anniversary of my own. And all of this is happening a week before the holiday we set aside for giving thanks. How does it all fit together? Our culture often tends to put death at the other end of the spectrum from giving thanks. It is not a subject which is usually discussed in polite company. But I find myself experiencing it differently these days. Slowly, sometimes painfully slowly, I am coming to an awareness of the connectedness of our lives, including our deaths. Of course there is pain and grief when we experience the death of someone close to us. And there is also so much more. Even the pain points us to the truth of our connection. It is because we are connected that it hurts. And that is worth celebrating. That is worth giving thanks for. What happens after we step beyond this earthly existence is beyond my ability to comprehend. And I am confident that the Holy and Sacred Presence who gave us this amazing life has something even more amazing in store. That is worth giving thanks for. So today, surrounded by both life and death, I choose once again to give thanks.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Last week I attended a “Faith Luncheon” sponsored by the Hillsboro School District. I found it to be an enlightening, challenging and inspiring experience. We heard from Mike Scott, District Superintendent, along with several principals from around the district. They presented a picture of an almost overwhelming array of needs among the students of Hillsboro, and the limited resources within the district to address those needs. They are attempting to address those needs by reaching out to faith communities who might be willing to step up and help. I came away from the event with a new level of awareness that this is one way we could get involved in our community. As a congregation we already participate in the Weekend Food Backpack Program, providing food for low-income children on the weekends. And there are so many other ways in which we might get involved, both individually and collectively. It could be as little as half an hour a week. It might involve tutoring, or mentoring, or just sharing lunch or playground time with a child. If you are interested in getting involved, you can contact Katie Willis or Coleen Garrett. They are volunteer coordinators with the district and they can help you plug in and make a difference. In the words of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.”

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

In November, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it seems natural that our thoughts turn to the practice of gratitude. Gratitude can transform our experience of life at the deepest and most profound levels. As we pay attention to that for which we are grateful we discover more and more for which to be grateful. It frees us to see beauty and grace and wonder in every moment. It even helps us face life’s most challenging and painful experiences in such a way that healing and wholeness can emerge. The more we make it our practice, the fuller and deeper and richer our experience of life becomes. This is the perfect moment to begin.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Lately you’ve been hearing a lot from me about the Visioning Process. I’ve tried to keep you informed and excited about this important process in the life of our congregation without overwhelming you and sounding like a broken record. So here we are, in the middle of this period of transition, seeking to discern who God is calling us to become. Toward that end, there are a couple of significant opportunities in the next month which are designed to help us listen for the guidance of God’s Spirit.

The first opportunity comes in the form of a series of small group discussion sessions which are designed to help us explore the intersection between our congregation’s strengths and the world’s needs. There will be ten of these sessions offered during the month of November. You can sign up on-line at: http://goo.gl/Vyr145 or in person on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

The second opportunity will happen on Saturday, December 6th when we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for an All-Church Retreat from 9am until 3pm. On that day we will spend time sharing together in a variety of ways as we seek clarity and inspiration regarding the future for our congregation.

Throughout this process your voice is important. The understandings and information which emerge from this process will be used by the Pastoral Search Committee as they create the Congregational Profile which is a central part of the search process. So let your voice be heard. Get involved. Take advantage of these important opportunities. Together, with each other and with God, we will walk boldly into God’s exciting future.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)