This week I've watched the Christmas poinsettias wither, then perk up each time I remember to water them. A few weeks ago, one of our congregation members was hospitalized for dehydration. And after the fires in Louisville and Superior, I cheered with a Zoom-room full of clergy when they announced the boil water order had been removed. Water is life (as my artist and friend Sally King from Lyons, CO reminded me years ago when she gave me this little piece she created). Easy access to clean, safe water is something many of us take for granted... but we shouldn't.

Look to the Scriptures - Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea to lead his Israelite people from slavery in Egypt into freedom in the Promised Land. Jesus used water to wash feet, heal wounds, and usher outcasts back into community. He even submerged himself in a Jordan River baptism to begin his preaching and teaching ministry. Water doesn't wash away our sins (as many of my childhood Evangelical church songs taught) or fundamentally change who we are - after all, Jesus was without sin, and he still got dunked! But a hot shower after a long trip or long day of work or childcare can restore me from zombie land to humanity.   

So as you savor a long drink of water today (remember: 8 glasses per day!) or relish a swim in a pool, a soak in a hot tub or bath, or even delight in a quick shower... give thanks to God: for the waters that birthed you, the seawater in your body, and the blessing of our time and place which offers nearly "free" water with universal access. And pray for those across the globe without this freedom - for girls who walk miles in the dark to fetch water, for disaster zones where water is dangerous because of how it moves and what it carries, and for those who are literally thirsting to death (not just physically, but also spiritually).

Hope to "see" you on Sunday - on our YouTube livestream or in person at 10:15AM! Remember, as Omicron continues, we are asking people to check in and move on to the sanctuary, maintain 6ft of distance, and avoid congregating or blocking the way for others. Masks are required - we want to be both better and safer together - and ribbons indicating 6ft will be in all back pews.   

In God's love, Pastor Emily