Dear beloved community,
It is somewhat surreal that this will be my last Connections. This Sunday is my farewell Sunday after 15 years. We’ve had such a great partnership.
Though I am leaving church ministry, I will always hold you in my heart with love.
Hope many of you will be able to join in community for Sunday’s service in person or online as we close out one chapter of CCSM history, and begin a new chapter. We will be welcoming new members—a sign of a bright future!
Today I leave with you one of my favorite poems by Wendell Berry. The world has seemed so heavy lately— I hope you will find a way to get out in nature and rest in grace.
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
This is not goodbye, but farewell— “fare thee well”—you’ll will continue to do wonderful things and you are a fabulous community who cares for each other and are held by a rich history, a talented staff and fantastic leaders.
All my best to you, always,
Penny
