Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, August 2

Dear Beloved,

Thank you for all the ways you support kids and teens and their families!  Thank you for your prayers for educators and students as they prepare to head back to school.  For many the time of newness can feel exhausting and overwhelming.  Your prayers mean a lot. 

We’d also appreciate your prayers for a new learning/connecting opportunity for teens within Friedens.  In the past, students have not met for a Sunday morning class after completing middle school.  This fall we are trying something new.  High schoolers are invited to meet with Travis on the 2nd Sunday of each month and with Kali on the 4th Sunday of each month beginning in August.  High schoolers are invited to remain in worship on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.  The middle school class will continue to meet weekly.  The monthly lunches for the combined group of middle school and high school students will also still continue.  The next two lunches are July 19th and August 30th.

We are grateful for the ways all the kids and teens participate, and we are grateful for all their leaders.  Thank you again for your prayers and support.

With joy,

Sarah

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, July 26

I could use some rest. How about you?

Do you realize that saying “yes” to rest, likely means saying “no” to something else?

In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do.” (Mark 1:35-38)

Jesus needed rest too. He found renewal in quiet prayer with his Father. His “yes” to rest, helped him say “no” to opportunities that would drain his energy and undermine his purpose. Jesus told the disciples “no” to returning to Capernaum where a crowd of people were waiting to be healed. Moving on to neighboring towns to teach the way of God’s kingdom was the “yes” that fulfilled his mission. It was a difficult choice that meant some people who were seeking healing from Jesus would not receive it.

Saying “yes” to rest is a difficult choice for us too. We cannot do everything. The choice for rest and renewal will require deleting some activities from our busy calendars.

Following the way of Jesus will help us keep our priorities straight and our lives in balance.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, July 19

Dear Beloved,

My heart, mind, body, and spirit are overflowing with gratitude.  Thank you for your prayers and generous donations to make the first accessibility camp hosted by Friedens United Church of Christ fun, safe, and meaningful for kids, teens, and adults. 

At least 38 people participated in this experience, and it would be impossible to count how many people from near and far were donating supplies and praying for everyone and the experience.  We look forward to your continue prayers as we figure out how to continue what has begun. 

We also hope you can join worship in person or virtually on Sunday, July 26th to hear reflections from some of the participants.  You can join us anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. the same day to meet organizations working for Disability Justice in honor of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Organizations including   ????  will be there.  There will also be many delicious refreshments. 

We hope you’ll plan to come and invite friends, family members, neighbors, classmates, and colleagues to come with you.  May you know how much you are appreciated!  Thank you for the many ways you continue to share the love of Jesus each and every day!  

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, July 12

I could use some rest. How about you?

Are you remembering to listen to your body?

For it was you, O God, who formed my inward parts;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139: 13-14)

There is a wisdom in our bodies that is Divine, after all our Creator does “very good” work (see Genesis 1:31). That wisdom is accessed by slowing down and listening. Our bodies know when there is energy to burn and when it is time to refuel. Our bodies know when we can burn the midnight oil and when we need a nap.  Our bodies know when all systems are running smoothly and when we need some repair and healing.

Will you join me in listening to the Divine wisdom inherent in our bodies? It is one key to getting the rest we need.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, July 5

Dear Beloved,

How is your summer going?  You are in my prayers as we explore the names of God together in worship.  Are there any names of God that you have connected with in a new or different way?  As I write to you, I’m reflecting on the text from Sunday - Psalm 23.  I would invite you to spend time in this text in a way that might be familiar or completely different to you.

Perhaps you’d like to find a musical version of this to sing or hum or play or dance to.

Maybe you’d like to draw or paint out part of the passage.

Maybe you’d like to lie down in green grass or play or sit by water as you reflect on the passage.

Perhaps you’d like to pick a few words to recite out loud or in your head and soul or breath in and out to.

If you try one of these ideas or one of your own and want to share about your experience, please feel free to be in touch.  May you feel the love, care, compassion, and guidance of the Good Shepherd.

With gratitude and hope,

Sarah 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 28

I could use some rest. How about you?

Do you remember that spiritual practice is an important way to rest?

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. (Acts 2:44-47)

Spiritual practice is a way of life as God intended. Common spiritual practices include worship, prayer, movement, study, service, and a daily dose of peace and quiet. Throughout the millennia and across traditions, this way of life has proven to bring balance and wellbeing to those who are faithful in their practice.

What activities help you focus on the good life God intends? Prioritize these essential, spiritual activities and note how you are feeling and how you are interacting with others as a result. Common results are meaning, purpose, renewal, and joy.

Will you join me in prioritizing the spiritual life? It is a tried-and-true path to rest, as well as a purposeful activity.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 21

Dear Beloved,

How are you experiencing the hope and joy God offers this summer? I find hope and joy in hearing all the ways you share the love of Jesus and in worship, study, and service with you! Thank you!  

Thank you for your prayers - they give me hope and help me remember that I’m not alone.

Thank you for your music - singing together in worship with you gives me joy.

Thank you to all who serve and share their God-designed gifts, talents, and experiences to each day to help grow God’s beloved and welcoming community for all - you give me hope and joy. 

Thank you to everyone as you give generously of your love, so all may hear of their belovedness to God - seeing the ways the Spirit is working gives me hope and joy.

I would also like to express my special appreciation to everyone who prayed for, participated in, or contributed to Vacation Bible School in any way.

Finally, I’d like to express my gratitude and hope in knowing that I can ask you to pray for our newest adventure. From June 30th to July 2nd, adults and teens from UCC congregations in Louisville, Batesville, Bloomington, Carmel, Indianapolis, and Greenwood will be working together to offer our first accessible mini camp. The campers who come from 10 to 2 each day will be joining in fun activities led by the teens who will be staying through the afternoon and evening (and some overnight) to connect with each other and with God. New things can be exciting and scary. I am trusting God will guide and lead us, and I am giving thanks to God for you and your faithful support. Thank you for all the ways you live as blessings!

Please always be in touch with questions, things you’d like to share, and prayer concerns. Thank you for being you. You are not alone. You are loved!

With gratitude and hope,

Sarah

3 I thank my God for every remembrance of you,

4 always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy. 

Philippians 1:3-4

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 14

I could use some rest. How about you?

Do you remember that rest is one of the Ten commandments?

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. (Exodus 20:8-11)

This is not a commandment just for you. It is for your children, and for those who work to meet your needs, for immigrants, and even for the animals. Everybody needs a break. Everybody deserves a break. God said so.

Will you join me in obeying this command?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 7

Dear Beloved,

How are you as a new month begins? How is it with your body, mind, and spirit? I love that God invites us to love, worship, and serve with all we are - heart, mind, soul, and strength. I love that God chooses to come and live among us in the flesh - incarnate - God with us - God who needed nourishment and rest - God who understands who we are - all of who we are.

This past Sunday the wellness ministry team was commissioned. I am grateful for Friedens and for the United Church of Christ who recognize wellness as part of the work of the church - part of the work of the prophets and servant leaders we find in the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures. We recognize wellness as part of Jesus’ ministry of caring for and with people, animals, and the earth when sick and injured. Jesus reached out to people who were distraught and wounded, isolated and abandoned, rejected and kept at a distance, thirsty and hungry…. Wellness can be defined, thought of, imagined and hoped for in many different ways. What did the ministry of wellness look like for Jesus’ early followers and the first churches? What does it look like for us today? I believe we all have areas and spaces within us of unwellness and dis-ease, and we all have areas of healing and recovery. I’m grateful that we are a church who can be honest with each other and reach out for prayer and encouragement as we seek to honor God with all we are when we are feeling well and when we are feeling unwell and all the places in between. I am grateful that we are part of a Global Ministries, Open and Affirming, Just Peace congregation who honors all bodies. I hope you will pray for and participate in these upcoming summer opportunities that may help us think about wellness and inclusivity in the beloved community and the shalom made known and being made known to us by the peace of our Creator, the love of Jesus, and the compassion of the Spirit.   

Sunday, June 7th during the Treasure Seekers and Middle School Class - Mental Health activities with Shar’ron Mason

Sunday, June 14th Safe Zone LBGTQ+ 101 Training with Alicia and Jenn Harding

Sunday, June 26th from 9:30 to 12:30 - Disability Justice Fair

It is a blessing and joy to serve with you. I appreciate you!

With gratitude and hope,

Sarah 

All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,

  and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”

When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife

Matthew 1:22-24

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 31

I could use some rest. How about you?

Do you remember that rest is built into creation?

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:1-3)

If you need rest you are in good company. Our Creator observes rest. How about we follow God’s good example?

The first step is to make a commitment to get some rest. Will you join me in making that commitment? Choosing rest is a choice to live as God intends.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 24

Dear Beloved,

As Eastertide draws to an end, I’m excited about Pentecost when we celebrate the gift of God’s Spirit!  I love reflecting upon, giving thanks for, and talking about the way the Spirit is on the move!  If you’d like to take a look at a Pentecost story, you can check Acts 2.  In that story you’ll hear how people of many different languages were all able to understand each other.  The Spirit didn’t create a common language for them to speak but rather allowed them to understand one another within the beautiful diversity.  

I’m grateful for the diversity of congregations sharing the building that Friedens United Church of Christ is blessed to steward.  We now have three congregations joining us in this space.  Many thanks to the ministry teams who do the work to make this possible.  Many thanks to Heidi in the office who does an amazing job of coordinating the many church and community events that happen in the building and on the grounds of the campus.  Thank you!

Thank you to each of you who extend the extravagant welcome of Jesus.  Thank you for welcoming everyone - people we know and people we don’t know - all ages, sizes, shades, language, abilities, orientations, family structures, socioeconomic status, educational and vocational background, faith traditions and experiences, gifts, challenges, hopes, wounds, dreams, interests, and more….. 

Thank you for your prayers that we remain attentive to the living Spirit of Jesus as we find hope and grace in the constant companionship of the Risen One.  As we move into the end of spring and into the summer, I invite you to be watching for the ways the Spirit is guiding and leading you individually and collectively.  If there are ways we can be praying with you or of encourage, please always feel free to reach out to Pastor Marc and to me.  We are honored and grateful to be on this journey of discipleship with you.  

 With appreciation, hope, and love,

Sarah

Teach me to do your will,  for you are my God;

may your good Spirit  lead me on level ground.

(Psalm 143:10)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 10

Dear Beloved,

How are you as spring blooms?  

I am appreciating the current sermon series following the gospel of Luke's stories of our Crucified and Risen Leader.  I'm also continuing to give thanks for the experiences of Lent and Holy Week focusing on following the courageous ways of God.  I give thanks for the experiences that I had throughout the year with the confirmation students as we explored different names and understandings of who we understand God to be.  Even though we celebrated the rite of confirmation on Palm Sunday which brings the end to the class for the year, I continue to reflect on the names of God and love exploring God’s names which feel unlimited to me since God is beyond our human language.  Do you have a favorite or preferred name for God?  Do you have a name that you have heard for God that is confusing or complicated for you?  Is there a name for God that bothers you?  I'd truly value you hearing your responses.  It means a lot to me to be in conversation with you and to learn with and from you and to get to know you.  If you feel comfortable sharing, I'd be excited and honored to hear from you.  pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com

 Thank you for being you!  Your name is precious to God who knows you and calls you by your unique and special name and by your shared name as a beloved child.  May you feel the hope, peace, mercy, and compassion of the Risen One.

 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.  (Psalm 99:3)

 With gratitude and hope,

   Sarah 

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

    the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it on the seas

    and established it on the waters.

Psalm 24:1-2

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 17

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that this too shall pass and all will be well. In time and with work, the wound is being healed. I am able to think and speak about Adam without that constant ache of sorrow. Of course, I will not get over his death. I am learning to accept it as part of the varied and rich fabric of life on earth. I will always remember Adam. I will always miss him.

And, I am moving forward with the blessings of Adam’s example, with an openness to his ongoing spiritual presence, with a commitment to love and support Adam’s family/my family as best I can for as long as I can, and with assurance that all is well as I complete my call and journey in this life.

May the Risen One grant you the assurance that in whatever you face, that this too shall pass and all will be well.

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from the Lord. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

If I can assist you with your losses, please reach out.

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 3

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that it is possible to hold multiple emotions at the same time. It is true that this season of mourning is dominated by sadness but that is not all there is. When I remember my faith, I have hope. When our family tells favorite stories and memories, we share laughter and smiles. When I advance Adam’s legacy of learning, teaching, and advocacy I experience renewed purpose. When I get outside of myself to help others there is a return of a sense of contribution and contentment.

As you move through the losses in your life, it is necessary to turn toward the pain, but remember that there is still room for other emotions too. May God’s grace in Christ sprinkle in moments of peace, hope, happiness, and purpose too.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 26

Eastertide Greetings, Beloved! And happy Autism Awareness Month and Earth Day Month! 

If you think that I’m always finding a reason to celebrate, you’re right! There is much in this world that is sad, hard, and painful. I believe it is important to take time to grief, lament, and not to rush, hide, or avoid the suffering that is experienced near and far. I also believe it is important to rejoice and give thanks for all that is life-giving, hopeful, and loving. 

Learning and growing in community is something I give thanks for and celebrate - so many creatures and organizations offering blessings and goodness! During my adult years of growing and studying with others and learning from and with others, I have tried to be intentional about finding groups, cultures, and experiences to celebrate and honor intentionally in order to broaden my understanding of the beauty and diversity of all God has created and continues to create. This month I would invite you to be intentional about giving thanks for people with autism/autistic people and to learn with or from someone through reading, listening, being mindful…If you need help finding resources, please never hesitate to be in touch. If you are a person with autism/an autistic person, thank you for being the you God made you to be. I would also like to invite you on behalf of the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team and the Friedens Moving Outward Ministry Team to help with or come to and invite people to come along with you to an event on April 25th anytime between 2 and 4 celebrating Earth Day, Wellness, Mental Health, and all who nurture (Mental Health Month comes in May 🙂) 

What are you celebrating this month and/or this spring? I would be excited to hear about what offers you encouragement and hope in this season of Eastertide when we focus on the energy and transforming grace of Jesus - our Resurrected Leader. May you know you are loved today, tomorrow, and always.

With gratitude and hope,

Sarah

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

    the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it on the seas

    and established it on the waters. 

Psalm 24:1-2

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 19

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that faith matters. Throughout the long illness Adam endured and the sudden decline that led to his passing, we were supported by the abiding and graceful presence of God. God did not take away the illness or the dying. God did not rescue us from hardship and heartache. But God has been and continues to be with us in helpful ways.

I felt God’s presence in the cards and messages of support, in the comfort of food left on our front porch, and the many prayers offered on our family’s behalf. God’s presence was revealed in worship, music, and moments of unexpected beauty. I was sustained by kind smiles, heartfelt tears and hugs, and in the joy and innocence of the little ones in my life.

I knew God was present when Adam entered the peace death brought. I experienced grace in the intimacy of loved ones gathered in the immediate wake of his passing. I continue to find peace in trusting Adam’s illness is finally healed in God’s eternal embrace. I rejoice in affirming that I will see Adam again. I am encouraged that he has joined my cloud of witnesses.

Turn to God in your losses. The Good Shepherd will provide for your needs.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 12

Eastertide Greetings, Beloved!  

You are in my prayers in this special season of Eastertide (the time between Easter and Pentecost) when we celebrate the joy, hope, grace, love, and power of the Risen One.  For those of you here in the Midwest this also coincides with the spring season when new life is blossoming around us.  I hope and pray that you are able to find the time and/or space to breathe in the good news of the Living One, the mercy of new life, and the encouragement of restoration and regeneration.  I hope and pray that you feel the Spirit guiding you and uplifting you.  

Many thanks to all the children and teens who led us in worship by sharing in the palm procession to begin Holy Week on Palm Sunday.  Thank you to everyone for your prayers, support, and encouragement of the confirmands.  Thank you to the confirmation mentors and families.  Thank you to the Fellowship and Care Ministry Team who offered the reception for the confirmands.  Thank you to the Worship and Arts Ministry Team, the chancel choir, Kristin, David, Heather, Heidi, Michael, the Buildings and Grounds Ministry Team, the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry, adult and youth lay readers, guest musicians, the scouts, the custodians, and Pastor Marc for all your time, energy, talents, faith, and prayers to make everything so special for Holy Week and Easter!

I also invite your prayers for everyone working to prepare the special summer opportunities for children and teens.  We would appreciate your prayers for Vacation Bible School and our first ever accessible summer mini camp for children ages 4 to 7 years old who are in special education classes or programs which will be led by teens from Friedens and other congregations in the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ.  We would appreciate your prayers that these experiences are healthy, safe, meaningful, and fun for everyone involved.  We pray that they will be opportunities to reach out to kids and teens from Friedens and from the wider community with the love of Jesus.

Thank you!  It is a blessing and a joy to serve with you!

May you know the peace, love, hope, and grace of Jesus all through Eastertide!

Sarah 

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”

And she told them that he had said these things to her.  (John 20)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 5

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that there is not one right way to grieve. Losses come in various shapes and sizes. We are different in how we process experiences and how we express emotions. Our backgrounds and relationships vary, and much of our ever-changing situations fall outside of our control. These and other factors influence how we grieve.

The key is to keep moving toward a place of acceptance, to work toward the healing you and the others near you need. A constant in this process is a commitment to thoughts, words, and actions that open you to healing. Be quick to seek help along this difficult path. You are not alone. Together we can make it.

Remember, Jesus is reaching out with this loving invitation: Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 29

Dear Beloved,

How are your hearts, minds, bodies, and souls as we move towards Holy week - a week that can be filled with many emotions - remembering the way Jesus was welcomed by some into Jerusalem with branches waving and Hosannas singing, how he broke bread and washed feet, how he was betrayed and abandoned by dear friends and crowds of followers, how he suffered, died, and was buried…. In this season more than any other year I have felt held by the great cloud of witnesses in all my emotions of life this winter. As I approach this holy week with openness, I give thanks for the saints of past and present of Salem UCC in Toledo, Ohio, including my mom and dad who will always be my first pastor and teachers, who shaped my early faith formations in a way that made holy week so very sacred and special. Words of gratitude are not enough, but I offer them with prayers of love and thanksgiving, and I invite you to reach out and thank someone who has encouraged you at some point in your lifetime - a teacher, friend, family member, mentor, coach, colleague, classmate, author, artist, counselor, student… May you know you are not alone in whatever emotions you bring to Holy week and/or experience during Holy week. God is with us in it all. We are with each other. May you feel the peace and grace of our Creator, Redeemer, and Guide this Holy week and as we seek to live in the loving ways of Jesus, so that all may know they are beloved children of God.

With gratitude,

   Sarah 

Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

2     Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 22

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that vulnerability connects us to others. We live in a social media dominated world where we post pictures of the beautiful places we visit, the exciting events we attend, and the interesting people we know. There is nothing wrong with sharing these highlights, as long as we are honest about the lowlights too.

It is easy to give the impression that everything is fun and exciting. We get a lot of followers that way. We are admired and envied. But on every life some rain falls. When I am honest and open about the rain and storms in my life, I find authentic connection with others. In shared pain we discover the compassion to help one another. Honest sharing and active listening are the seedbed for healing and the renewing of our lives and our relationships.

Remember, Jesus said: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). Sharing the fullness of our life experiences, the highs and the lows, is the path to solidarity, comfort, and peace.

Yours in Christ,

Marc