Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Feb. 1
Greetings Beloved,
How are you as we near the end of the first month of 2026? When I began writing this note to you, I was preparing for Epiphany and thinking about the Epiphany story that I grew up with about the magi from Matthew 2. This story leads me to feel a mix of emotions that resonate with how my heart and soul feel - deep sorrow and deep awe, much sadness and much gratitude, a multitude of concerns and the steadying peace of Jesus that surpasses all human understanding…Now as I continue this note to you just a few weeks away from the beginning of the season of Lent, I feel a similar mix of emotions, and I continue to give thanks to God that Jesus understands them all. The children and I often talk about the ways we can experience all the emotions together (or as some have said of me, “Your emotions have emotions.”). God cares for us in and through them all. God holds us and journeys with us no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey, no matter what our emotions may be. God does not leave us or forsake us, and God offers us support through the gifts of community, through the comforting word of scripture, through the still small voice of calm made known in the seen and unseen love and mercy of God. What spiritual practices or circles of support help you feel connected to God and God’s love as we journey through this life filled with many emotions? I hope and pray that you can start each day with the reminder that you are a loved child of God. Maybe like me, you’ll find comfort, peace, and hope in the words Pastor Marc has been guiding us in as we begin worship together on Sunday mornings from Mark 6 - “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Perhaps there is someone you can share these words of peace and encouragement with this week. If there are specific ways we can be praying with or for you, please always feel free to reach out and share them with us. We give thanks for you.
With hope and gratitude,
Sarah
“I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy” (Philippians 1:3-4)
