Light in the Window - October 12, 2022

Dear Covenant Family,

Several weeks ago I was surprised to see a stuffed frog (pictured above) in the offering plate when the ushers brought forward that morning’s gifts and tithes. I still don’t know who put it there, but it sure made me smile that day and many days since. Did the giver know that F.R.O.G. is an acronym in the Christian community for Fully Reliant On God? Was it a not so secret message to resist the tendency to rely on ourselves alone- our plans, our skills, our vision, our gifts?

In my first six months here I’ve had lots of practice learning to rely on God, for which I’m grateful. A few times I’ve been asked about my vision for the church, which is hard for me to put into words. So this week I’m including a poem by Ann Weems that resonates with my vision of what we can be together- if we rely on God and each other to live out God’s mission. How does this fit with what you think the church should be? Let me know.

Peace,

Pastor Jessie, F.R.O.G.

Pastor@covenantweb.org

"Where Is the Church?" by Ann Weems

The church of Jesus Christ

is where a child of God brings a balloon

is where old women come to dance

is where young men see visions and old men dream dreams

The church of Jesus Christ

is where lepers come to be touched

is where the blind see and the deaf hear

is where the lame run and the dying live

The church of Jesus Christ

is where daisies bloom out of barren land

is where children lead and wise men follow

is where mountains are moved and walls come tumbling down

The church of Jesus Christ

is where loaves of bread are stacked in the sanctuary to feed the hungry

is where coats are taken off and put on the backs of the naked

is where shackles are discarded and kings and shepherds sit down to life together

The church of Jesus Christ

is where barefoot children run giggling in procession

is where the minister is ministered unto

is where the anthem is the laughter of the congregation and the offering plates are full of people

The church of Jesus Christ

is where people go when they skin their knees or their hearts

is where frogs become princes and Cinderella dances beyond midnight

is where judges don't judge and each child of God is beautiful and precious

The church of Jesus Christ

is where the sea divides for the exiles

is where the ark floats and the lamb lies down with the lion

is where people can disagree and hold hands at the same time

The church of Jesus Christ

is where night is day

is where trumpets and drums and tambourines declare God's goodness

is where lost lambs are found

The church of Jesus Christ

is where people write thank-you notes to God

is where work is a holiday

is where seeds are sown and miracles are grown

The church of Jesus Christ

is where home is

is where heaven is

is where a picnic is communion and people break bread together on their knees

The church of Jesus Christ is where we live responsively toward God's coming

even on Monday morning the world will hear . . .

an abundance of alleluias!