by Rev. Amy Jo Hawley, Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church
On behalf of the Presbytery Rev. Christine Wagner led a service of Lament and Healing for pastoral leaders of our congregations. Services were held at Manhattan Trinity, Salina Sunrise, Lawrence Westside and at Christine's home in rural Hays. The worship combined a Service of Wholeness with an opportunity to respond to the grace of our Lord by reaffirming our baptismal vows. In addition to a well written liturgy and thoughtful reflection on Psalm 23, the settings of the services were in themselves healing.
For pastors it was a joy to partake of the liturgy and worship without leadership responsibilities. In addition, because the services were scattered throughout the presbytery on four different occasions, the smaller number of participants at each service provided an intimate sense of community with those who share a similar call to serve in ministry for the Presbytery of Northern Kansas.
At the concluding service held at Christine's own lovely home, the natural beauty of the stand of trees and lush flowers was its own healing reminder of our ever-present and awesomely creative God. The participation of Sophie, the (unofficial) comfort dog, also provided an unexpected additional ministry of companionship.
In times of great challenge, we pull deeply from our resources of faith. For leaders especially drained by the novel demands of ministry in a time of pandemic, this service offered the physical and spiritual space needed to breathe deeply of the Spirit.
