Pastor’s Reflection

 

“Great Achievement” from Unfolding Light

Beloved Friends, 

Our exploration of Spiritual Disciplines in recent weeks has been fun, energizing, and boundary-stretching for many of us. It is also a nice reminder that the season of Lent is just a few weeks away. As we ‘try on’ different Spiritual Disciplines in worship, I invite you to reflect during the week on whether this might be something you’d like to incorporate into your life of faith more broadly. Think about what it would look like to intentionally set time aside for Play, Creativity, Silence, or Scripture as part of a sacred practice over the coming Lenten season. Maybe you’d like to keep a journal of your experiences and discoveries or share them with a friend or congregation member. 

As we move toward Lent, I want to remind you to join us for fellowship and worship on Ash Wednesday, February 22. We will gather for a meal in the fellowship hall at 6:30pm and move into the Sanctuary for Worship at 7pm with communion and imposition of ashes. 

Finally, as I write this note, we are preparing to reflect on Micah 6:6-8 in our Lectio Divina Spiritual Disciplines worship service on Sunday. Consider this brief reflection by Steve Garnaas-Holmes on the tenets the Prophet Micah lifts up for us all: 

The Universe will not applaud you
for astonishing accomplishments.
Angels won’t go around talking about you
for your notable achievements.
God doesn’t care if you succeed.

What gives the Beloved joy
is that—even in your limited circumstances,
with only the gifts the Spirit gives you,
without notice, reward or acclaim—
you act justly, love mercifully,
and walk humbly with God.
That really is all God asks.
That is enough to give God deep joy,
deep joy.

Many Blessings, Rev. Melanie