Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 25, 2025
Dear Beloved,
What is growing in you in this spring season? How are you feeling or experiencing the resurrection hope and energy of Eastertide? Or maybe you aren’t or don’t know, and that is okay, too. I ask questions because I care about you and appreciate you and truly wonder. Often, on Sunday mornings, we don’t get to talk, but I wonder and always like to know ways we can be supportive and of encouragement to you on this journey of life and love no matter where we are in the twists and turns and ups and downs each day (or sometimes each moment) can bring.
In this Eastertide/spring season, Pastor James’ message from Good Friday and Pastor Marc’s message from Easter morning keep filling my heart, mind, body, and soul. Pastor James spoke about Jesus’ last words from the cross. Pastor Marc spoke of Jesus’ words to Mary. What do I say with my words? What do I mean with my words - both spoken and written? How do I convey love and care with my tone and mannerisms? What do I hear when people speak? How do I listen to all my friends who do not use words to speak? How do I interact with people who speak many languages or languages different than the one I know? What words do I use when speaking to, with, and about God? These are some of the things that I have been pondering this season. How about you?
As I have been meditating, one of the first passages I remember learning as a kid keeps bubbling up - Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Also 1 Thessalonians 5:11, James, Romans 15:2, 1 Corinthians 14:12.) Almost 50 years, and I still have so much to learn! Praises be to God for God’s grace, patience, and forgiveness and the grace, patience and forgiveness of caring communities. I’m grateful for all the individuals, groups, authors, artists, teachers, friends, students, colleagues, peers, friends, and mentors who help me continue to learn to listen and do/be better. Thanks be to Jesus for his words of love, mercy, and guidance even from the cross and for his words of love, mercy, and guidance as he showed up to his followers newly resurrected and still now for you and me.
With love, grace, gratitude, and Easter hope and joy,
Sarah
