Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Oct. 25
Dear Beloved,
How are you as we move towards the end of October and the beginning of November? Are there any ways that I can be praying with you or of encouragement? How are the transition in seasons and color changes going for you? It seems like some love the cooler weather. Some are impartial. Some find it challenging. Wherever you find yourself in the midst of transitions you aren't alone. God journeys with us through all seasons. This fall Pastor Marc has been thoughtfully and meaningfully guiding us through a framework for living which God gifted to us by offering us the 10 commandments/10 ways of blessing/10 ways. This framework for living and being can offer us support through all the shifts of life.
In this season of visible changes, I have been thinking about the connection with upcoming holidays. Do you do anything special for Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, or All Saints’ Day? Perhaps these days remind us of transitions as well. Maybe they also remind us that we are encouraged by a great cloud of witnesses. Maybe they offer us time, space, rest, and intentional spiritual practices for remembering, giving thanks for, and celebrating loved ones and ancestors who have gone before us. I hope in this season of change, you can take time for something that tends to your soul - maybe a warm cup of apple cider with a friend or family member, telling stories about a loved one, quiet time with God in awe of God's creation, considering a new way to serve, or reading a favorite or different Bible passage under a warm blanket. Whatever the season and whatever may be shifting or changing, may you find constant hope in knowing you are a loved and loving child of the Maker of the heavens and the earth in all seasons.
With gratitude and joy,
Sarah
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3)
