Dear Covenant Family,
One of the incredible privileges of being your pastor is being trusted with your stories.
I haven’t had a chance to connect with everyone yet, but in these past few months I have heard plenty to fil my heart. You (as a collective whole) have faced down cancer, dealt with mental health and addiction, experienced brokenness, fought for justice, anticipated death, transitioned leadership roles, endured strokes and serious diagnoses, said good-bye to beloved friends and relatives, worried about the children, wondered about God’s presence and absence, expressed hope in the midst of despair, managed to retain your sense of humor, looked for God at work, worshipped and witnessed and served your neighbor. Together we have envisioned how to move forward, in what manner to give witness to our voices for peace, how to communicate the inclusivity and love embedded in our midst through the Holy Spirit.
Your resilience has made an impression on me and I carry your stories with me wherever I go. Currently I am spending time in Wyoming for some vacation and study leave. Yellowstone has gone through their own crises lately- Covid and flooding and a continual staff shortage, as well as the more enduring problems of keeping tourists off the fragile geothermal surfaces and at a safe distance from wild animals. One ranger I spoke to had just spent three hours ``babysitting bison” and in the process kept three people from getting gored from coming too close. One learns quickly here when to move closer and when to step away, when to pause in awe, how to bow in gratitude. I’m praying for you and whatever amounts of courage you need for this day.
Below is a blessing written by Rev. Kate Bowler, an author, podcaster and pastor I admire. I hope you find it meaningful as well.
A blessing for the courage to try (and the wisdom to know when to stop)
Blessed are you, faced with the impossible.
You who do not take your eyes away
from what threatens to swallow you whole.
You who stare down reality,
though your heart quickens.
You for whom action comes swiftly,
as you chart the next step
or bulldoze a new path yourself.
You know how to turn hope into action.
And blessed are you who,
when you’ve come to the end of what is possible,
find the courage to live there too.
Blessed are we, who are learning
how to hope. and how to let go.
when to act. and when to stop.
Balancing the impossibility of so much love
and so much to fear.
Together.
Amen.
Peace be with you all, and I hope you enjoyed outdoor worship on Sunday with my friend and guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Nancy Olman.
Peace,
Pastor Jessie
