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As your pastor I want to be strong. But I would be lying if I told you have not had some sleepless nights and some melt-down moments. At times my heart feels full and I know for certain that we will emerge stronger at the end of this. But at other times I doubt like everyone else. Like all of you, I hear myself asking

How long, O Lord? . .. How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? Psalm 13:1-2

When you called me three years ago to serve as your pastor, I promised to engage in the three P's: Preach, Pray, Pastoral Care of our staff and church leaders. All three of those tasks needed to be reinvented in the last two weeks as we shifted from classrooms, boardrooms and sanctuaries to zoom rooms, phones and streams. Heavy on my heart has been how to fairly compensate those who are unable to work from home such as our loyal and faithful cleaning crew, child care workers, preschool teachers. We have some of the best people anywhere on the planet and I want them to have food on their tables and I want to keep them with us for the future we share.

But even as I worry, little miracles keep rising up everywhere. Unexpected donations, pre-paid pledges and kind notes continue to show up, lifting our spirits. The staff have gone to extraordinary lengths to make budget cuts. Many staff members worked through their vacation days and throughout their weekends to get us ready for this next phase. They have bubbled over with genius ideas about how to serve, connect, love and reach out in this unsettling season.

But overall what I have noticed is a change in tone. Have you noticed it too? We speak to each other with a different tone of voice. There is a deep underlying sense of care for each other. How is your family? How are you feeling? How are your spirits? Be it with a neighbor whose name we do not know, a colleague we work with daily or a church member we share a pew with, we have come to see again that God's divine life pulses in between us and bids us love and care for one another.


Grace and peace to you,
Carla


This Week's News:



Live Stream - We will continue to gather for worship via  live stream only . Share a photo of your live stream worship experience with us by  email . 

 

Easter offering - This year's Easter offering will support two agencies who serve individuals in our community who do not have access to quality health care, KC Care Health Center and Care Beyond the Boulevard. More details and giving information here. 

Monday Night Classes - Dr. Mike Graves will stream his next Monday night class on two Mondays, April 6 and 13. The class will air on the church's live stream channel at two times each evening, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Click here for more information.
Thank you  - We are thankful for your support and encouragement during this difficult time, and we are grateful for your continued financial support, which is allowing the church to serve in ministry with you through creativity and innovation. If you would like to share your weekly offering electronically,  please do so at  this link.
 

Children, Youth and Families updates - Click  here  for an update and links to resources for Children and Families from Catherine, and  here  for an update from Tyler.

Supporting Our Most Vulnerable - Click here to find out how you can help our partnership organizations and the most vulnerable in our congregation in the coming days.

Leadership Nomination Deadline Approaching - The work of the church is more important than ever in these unusual times, here's a simple way to be a part of it!
Native Plant Sale Pre-Orders - Despite the social distancing we are all practicing, working outside in the yard or garden is still allowed. Pre-order native plants for your yard or garden at this link.