Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Living faithfully in this world is a complicated business. On the one hand, we are surrounded by countless incidents of senseless violence, unimaginable suffering, and immeasurable cruelty. And yet, on the other hand, we are also surrounded by countless acts of bravery, unimaginable kindness, and immeasurable compassion. All too often we become so overwhelmed by the first list that we fail to even notice the second list. Of course we need to pay attention to the painful realities which we encounter. It is important to bring our best creativity to bear as we seek to make the world a safer, more peaceful, more loving place for everyone. And if we hope to do so in any sort of effective and sustainable way then we dare not ignore the amazing positive qualities which are shining all around us. We need to draw upon every brave, kind, compassionate resource we can find. Only then will we be equipped to shine the Light of God’s Love into the world.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

As many of you know I post a thought everyday that begins “Today I am grateful for...” I don’t do this because my life is always and forever sweetness and fluff. In fact, the practice has its roots in the experiences surrounding the death of my late wife. My daily gratitude practice helps me build and maintain a foundation that keeps me grounded and connected to Spirit when life is not going well. We don’t always get to choose what life hands us. But we can always choose how we respond. I know there are some folks in the congregation for whom life is going very well indeed right now. And I know that there are others for whom life is challenging and painful. Regardless of where your life is along that spectrum, I invite you to remember that you are not alone. Whatever circumstance we find ourselves facing we can draw on the resource of God’s Spirit and the support of our community of family and friends. If life is going well for you right now please remember to reach out to those who are challenged. And if you are struggling right now please remember to stay open to the care that comes your way from others. Together we can experience life more fully, deeply and richly than we could ever manage on our own. Today I am grateful for the privilege of being a part of this amazing faith community.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

A Strong & Vital Congregation

One of the things I have appreciated about this congregation is the fact that you have not stopped being the church just because you find yourselves in a time a change and transition. You didn’t say, “Well, we’ll just wait and see what happens next.” You have continued to be the Church in our community and in our world. Our Sunday morning worship experiences have remained vital and well attended. Our outreach programs have expanded. Our giving has increased. Our enthusiasm has remained strong. I see all of this as a powerful illustration of your health as a congregation. In the weeks and months ahead, as the Pastoral Search Committee engages in the process of interviewing potential candidates to become your next Settled Pastor, they will be in the wonderful position of seeking the right person to work with you to enhance your strengths rather than “save” you from your weaknesses. I invite you to recognize the many ways in which you are a strong, healthy, vital congregation actively engaged in important ministry on God’s behalf. Your future is bright.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

There are so many ways in which this congregation shines. Just in the past few weeks I have watched you . . .

• reach out with compassion and care to homeless folks who find their way to our breezeway;
• increase your financial support for the congregation and approve an ambitious budget which supports a variety of ministry opportunities in our community and our world;
• surround people with love and care and support as they face challenging and painful circumstances in their lives;
• celebrate the Supreme Court decision regarding marriage equality;
• mourn the senseless violence and loss of life in the church shooting in South Carolina;
• and countless other examples too numerous to list.

You are a congregation who takes seriously the challenge of allowing your faith to shape your living in ways that seek to share God’s love with the world around you. Thank you.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

On Sunday I preached about Radical Hospitality. On Tuesday morning I arrived at the church and found two people sleeping in the breezeway. They were in pretty rough shape. Everything they owned fit in a couple of backpacks, along with the threadbare blankets they were laying on. They are on the road, trying to get somewhere besides here. I was able to give them some food and water, thanks to BOOM’s sack lunch ministry. I printed off directions to the food bank. And I was kind to them. We cannot do everything for everyone, but we can do something for the needs that show up (sometimes literally) at our front door. I am grateful to be a part of a congregation that approaches ministry with heart and passion. This week I had the privilege of representing you in this one small way. Thank you.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)