Celebrating Our High School Graduates

This past Sunday we honored our Graduating Seniors. As inspiring as it was to hear their plans for the future, it was even more inspiring to see their resolve, their respect, and their joy!

I try to imagine what this past year has been like for the Class of 2021. So much adapting to uncertain situations, so much instability and controversy, yet each one managed to stay focused. Goals were not only met, some were exceeded.

These young adults are setting a wonderful example for the rest of us. They know the importance of community - those who will have your back no matter what, those who will encourage you, challenge you, and even laugh and cry with you... and those who know they can count on you to do the same.

We give thanks for these graduates and each family and for the opportunity to learn and grow together.

Blessings,

Pastor Jo

A Familiar Tune

My week started with the congregation singing, "Happy Birthday" to me before worship. Monday morning began with "Rainy Days and Mondays" twirling around in my thoughts. (I love the Carpenters and... it was raining... on a Monday).

As Monday progressed I found myself challenged with how I would live out this week sandwiched between Ascension and Pentecost Sundays. Does it make a difference? After all, I'm just one person.

And, as the day draws to a close I hear yet another familiar tune... "God Bless America" is blaring from a truck parked across the street. It is a beautiful rendition - one that causes me to pause and take notice. What I notice is another neighbor pulling up in her driveway after a long shift at the hospital. She must be really tired. In that moment I was reminded that we are called to be the blessing to each other - whether neighbors or strangers.

What if this week, each of us - just one person - vowed to live with intentionality, to share kindness and hospitality to just one person? You - One person… God not only sees you, God continues to whisper a familiar tune of love, mercy, and grace into your life.

I am praying for you,

Pastor Jo

An Easter Full of Doubts

I didn't grow up observing the liturgical calendar so Easter was simply a day we celebrated - it wasn't a season that called us to decide what we will do with the resurrection story. As I grow in age and in faith I realized that my doubts, like those who witnessed the empty tomb, are a big part of my faith story.

This Sunday, the 6th Sunday of Easter, will offer Session Four of our Easter "I Doubt It..." sermon series and will prepare us for Ascension Sunday (which will lead us to Pentecost Sunday!)

I am including the links to the first 3 session of the series, which includes small portions of the worship service for each week. It is my prayer that sharing this journey together will not only allow us the space to embrace our doubts, but the beauty of sharing the journey together.

Session 1: "I Doubt It" https://youtu.be/mdbTUDQuA_g

Session 2: "Doubts Kill More Dreams than Failure Ever Will" https://youtu.be/mtB1CAJETtQ

Session 3: "Leave No Doubt!" https://youtu.be/-_I6C1z0wk8

Session 4: "Mrs. Doubtfire" https://youtu.be/OHBmzsEUWBw

The truth is that we have all doubts from time to time. We doubt others, we doubt ourselves, we sometimes even doubt God... yet, God can take those doubts and use them to encourage, teach, and strengthen us in our faith. What we must decide is will we offer God our doubts so that encouragement and strength will have room to grow.

I'm so thankful the journey continues!

Pastor Jo