In this space we publish the Minister’s Musings for the current month, which is also published in our newsletter. Please enjoy.
Dear Channing Members and Friends,
September and October are beautiful months to hike in the wilderness. Eric and I look forward to this time of year. Trees transition from the abundant green of life to the array of browns and greens and oranges that accompany the transition to death. Their air cools as we wrap ourselves in sweatshirts, and even the air has a different scent to it. Critters begin to slow down and hide for the winter. Fall is beginning!
These changing colors and textures and scents mark another beginning as well – the beginning of our church year. Recently we heard words of welcome echoing through our worship space as we sang together, Enter, Rejoice, and Come In! Our worship space is filling with anticipation and joy, folks are trickling into my office for small groups, coffee hour is buzzing with friendship and faith. We start up again in earnest – it’s a new beginning! What do I think of when I muse upon new beginnings? Hope, joy, excitement, wonderment, and, perhaps most predominantly, curiosity. Can we enter this new church year with curiosity and joy?
Here is my curiosity question: What are you looking forward to this upcoming church year? Perhaps spiritual or intellectual nourishment from worship. Maybe deep, personal sharing and growth in small groups, or special, unique bonds of friendship with one another. Perhaps a space to wholeheartedly bring your joys and concerns, always met with love. Church is a refuge for the spirit, a feeding ground for the soul, an invitation to help change the world. So, let me know, as your minister: how can I help guide you? As beloved congregants, may you ask one another: What does your body, heart, mind, and soul need? Responding to these needs – this is why we’re a church! To tend to every unique and blessed individual.
In church, we receive because we give and give because we receive. So far, we have focused on that sacred and holy act of receiving. Let us pause for a moment and reflect upon this: What can I give this church year? For this is sacred too! How can I tend to my own spirit by supporting and caring for another? This looks unique in myriad ways. Perhaps it’s to join the Outreach Team to share our message with the world and invite new beloveds into our midst. Perhaps it’s to guide our church through justice initiatives. Whatever it is – do it with your full heart and soul! It is a blessing to the world. Church is for you, and church is from you.
So let us enter this new year reinvigorated, ready for those sacred acts of giving and receiving. May we carry with us hope, excitement, and wonderment – here we are, a community of love, compassion, faith, and warmth. May each day be a blessed day because we have each other. May each day be a sacred day because we have a community of faith. May each day be a holy day because we love each other deeply.
With love,
Rev. Jane