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The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Cearley
Lead Pastor of Congregational Life
Friends,
First, I want to offer my sincere thanks to so many of you who have sent healing prayers my way over the last month. It's great to be back and I'm so appreciative of the cards, notes, phone calls and patience as I make my way back to a full schedule. It reminds me again how lucky we are to have one another in this community of faith. Please know that every expression of care has lifted my spirits mightily.
Last Sunday, to pace myself in getting back to work, I led a class, but did not participate in worship. I sat in the congregation, and had the experience of being one of you. Our guest preacher, the amazing pulpit players (some 49 children strong!), the music and liturgy of the service, each in their own way, ministered to me. As I looked around, I was reminded of the truly intergenerational character of our church. The church community and our families are among relatively few places in our modern life where we regularly experience connections across the generations. I felt like the pulpit player children were my kids...our kids; even finding myself feeling like a proud parent.
I came away cheered, fed and very grateful for this community of faith. I hope and pray that this congregation is life-giving to each of you too.
Blessings,
Cindy
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The Rev. Ian Gregory Cummins
Lead Pastor of Spiritual Life
Hello Everyone,
Today, February 13th, is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent . At 7:30 tonight we will have a service in the Sanctuary which will include communion and the imposition of ashes (for details click here). The mood of the service is quiet and meditative, providing an opportunity to pause and reflect on what matters most to us. One of the things the ashes represent is our mortality and while it may seem strange to intentionally reflect on the fact that we will someday die, I want to invite you to consider the power this can have in your spiritual life. Turning our gaze to the inevitability of our own death is not easy, but it need not be depressing. Quite the opposite, in fact. Part of what makes life so precious is that it does not go on forever. Our time is extremely limited and we should try not to take a moment of it for granted. In the day-to-day routine of buying groceries and sitting in traffic and cooking dinner we are easily lulled into thinking tomorrow will come just like today. Ash Wednesday reminds us that the day will come when that is not true and we should be thankful for each day we are given and live them with all the generosity, grace and awareness we can muster.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
The Gospel According to John 10:10
Grace and goodness,
Ian
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