July 21, 2020
A reflection from the Rev. Kathy Guin, adapted from her "Living Hope" retreat on May 16, 2020:

As you focus on your journey with Christ that leads us on the path of Living Hope, begin by looking at where you are with God now. How are you approaching God now?

  • Where do you find yourself with God during these changing, uncertain times?
  • The larger question is how do you get through this time with as much grace and peace as possible?

First Things First

Our traditions and life experiences teach us to start with the hard things. As they say—First Things First—what’s the top priority? We turn to God and hold up the hard things—all our struggles.

During these painful times, we’re recognizing that each and every one of us has experienced loss. Wherever you are now, there is space to grieve.

Prayerfully read “Blessed Are You Who Bear the Light” by Jan Richardson. Take time to reflect on what word or phrase in this prayer speaks to where you find yourself now.
Blessed are you
who bear the light
in unbearable times,
who testify
to its endurance
amid the unendurable,
who bear witness
to its persistence
when everything seems
in shadow
and grief.

Blessed are you
in whom
the light lives,
in whom
the brightness blazes—
your heart
a chapel,
an altar where
in the deepest night
can be seen
the fire that
shines forth in you
in unaccountable faith,
in stubborn hope,
in love that illumines
every broken thing
it finds.