Thoughts Along the Way . . .

As the calendar changes and I strive to remember to write “2015” I sometimes find myself struggling to stay present in the moment. I start entertaining thoughts like “I wonder what will happen in the coming year.” and “Where will I be when this year comes to an end?” And, instantly, I am in some nonexistent and imaginary future which is populated by anxiety and stress. Of course I know better than to wander down such paths. And yet, somehow, I still manage to do it from time to time – until I remember to take a deep breath and allow myself to be drawn back to this present moment. A little pondering, wondering and speculating can be a useful practice. It helps me to be open to the possibilities. But when such reflecting begins to take on a life of its own then it becomes a distraction. This moment, right here, right now, is the only moment that is truly real. It is the only moment where I can be fully alive. And the only way to be fully present in this moment is to give up the illusion that I can control what will happen in the future by worrying about it. In the book we are currently reading for the Tuesday book group (“Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in God: How to Give Love, Create Beauty and Find Peace”) Frank Schaeffer writes, “My illusion of control over my life is long gone. I am part of a story; I am not the story. I’ve given up on planning. Rather, I plan while hoping that my plans won’t work. I’ve experienced the serendipity of my plans failing. Then my failures sometimes open doors to things better than those I’d wished for.” May this be the year (now – this very moment) when you let go and fall head first into the wonder of your amazing life in this amazing world.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

As I write these words another year is coming to a close. When you read these words a new year will be dawning. Together endings and beginnings form one of the basic building blocks of life. And they certainly describe this time in the life of our congregation. It is never just one or the other. They always come together. Wherever there is an ending there is also a new beginning just waiting to unfold. Sometimes the new unfolding seems painfully slow in coming, so patience is often required. But never for a moment doubt that the new beginning is on its way. In this time of transition I have tremendous confidence that the coming year will bring new and exciting opportunities for you. And I am grateful for the chance to share life with you as we move through these days of change. Together may we experience the profound gift of abundant life in this new year.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

It is Christmas! And I am grateful! I am grateful for the many gifts which pour into my life – some of them big and some of them small, some of them simple and some of them complex, some of them old and some of them new. And all of them profoundly enhance my life in amazing ways. High on the list is my gratitude for this congregation. You have welcomed me into your midst and expressed appreciation for the gifts which I bring to the table. You are strong and healthy and vital. You are loving and welcoming and gracious. It is a joy to serve as your pastor. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a profoundly vibrant New Year. May the blessings of this season fill you to overflowing. Thank you for being who you are.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

The Advent season is drawing to a close. On Sunday the last of the Advent candles (Love) will be lit. The tree has been decorated. The themes of hope, peace, joy and love have been proclaimed. The watching and waiting and preparing have brought us to this moment when Christmas is upon us. So I invite you to pause and let it sink it. Revel in the awe and wonder of this season. Pay attention to the presence of the sacred which shines through all of the traditions which we cherish. Stop for just a moment and breathe. And then, allow all of that delicious inspiration to prompt you into action. Live your life in such a way that hope and peace and joy and love become manifest throughout the world. Why else would we celebrate this season?

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

“Behold, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” These are the words which an angel speaks to the shepherds. Often when angels appear in scripture they come bearing important news. I love the word which is used in the RSV and KJV translations (and, sadly, has been changed in the NRSV) – Behold! It proclaims that what follows is exciting news worthy of our complete attention. In the case of the shepherds, that good news is “of great joy for all the people”. ALL the people. It is a radically inclusive gift that encompasses all of humanity. Which is one of the reasons why I appreciate the angel which is hanging in our Fellowship Hall. It was first created back in about 2006 by my wife, Veronica. It was in response to her frustration around the fact that most of the angels which she saw were blonde haired, blue eyed and Caucasian. There was very little diversity. They did not represent “all the people.” And so she created this very dark face with very strong features and dressed in very colorful garb. It serves as a reminder that the good news which we celebrate is radically inclusive. The message that God loves us and is always and forever with us is for all the people – black, white, yellow, brown or red; gay, straight or somewhere in the middle of the spectrum; male, female or gender-flexible; rich, poor or just getting by; liberal, conservative or middle of the road; young, old or somewhere along the path. Humanity is such a rich and diverse tapestry, woven together with the love and grace of God. Let us celebrate that diversity.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Advent - an Opportunity to Reflect

We find ourselves in the midst of Advent – a season in the life of the church that includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas. This season is characterized by watching and waiting, preparing and anticipating. I love this season because it reminds me to take time to be still and pay attention to the movement of Spirit in my life and in my world. There is an opportunity to reflect on themes such as hope, peace, joy and love. The commercial aspects of our culture encourage us to get caught up in the hectic and busy pace of spending more money in more ways and more places. There is always one more gift to buy – one more party to attend – one more holiday activity to do. And all of that can be fun – as long as there is balance. In these days which lead us to Christmas, I invite you to be intentional about also taking time to slow down, remember to breath, and pay attention to the ways in which God is present in your life. Prepare a place in your heart for the Christ to be born.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

The day is finally upon us. Months of planning and preparing have brought us to this moment. On Saturday we will share together in a day-long visioning retreat designed to help us listen for guidance from God’s Spirit regarding the future direction of this congregation. We will celebrate our history, who we are in this moment, and who God is calling us to become in the days, months and years ahead. More than 60 people have signed up to participate. I am confident that at the end of the day we will be even more excited to be a part of this wonderful congregation than we already are. And the Pastoral Search Committee will have a lot of good material with which to begin their work. I look forward to spending the day with you on Saturday. See you then.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)