Celebrations and trials

What a wonderful, vibrant worship experience we had on Sunday, celebrating baptisms, confirmation, and the diverse ministry of music within our congregation. The joy was palpable, as it should be when we recognize and bask in the power of the Spirit that continues to move among us.

Our celebrations will continue this coming Sunday as the children help to lead our Trinity Sunday worship service, marking the end of the Sunday Friends’ program year. We’ll recognize our many Christian Educators (for kids and adults). We’ll celebrate Father’s Day with our annual blanket offering for Church World Service. And we’ll continue our observance of Pride Month, singing and proclaiming what we believe: all of us are made in God’s image.

Yet amidst these celebratory moments, many of our hearts are heavy. Perhaps it’s the latest news of protests and arrests that has us on edge. For some of us, grief still looms large as we mourn dear ones, such as Marilyn Kimball, whose life we’ll pay tribute to in a special service on Saturday. And even amidst Pride celebrations, hate and danger sneak in.

Thanks be to God, we needn’t feel pressed into any emotions other than the ones we’re feeling. Thanks be to God, there is holiness in the mundane, the struggle, and fleeting moments when our spirits soar. Thanks be to God, we have one another for whatever the day or the moment holds.

I hope you’ll join this Sunday as we celebrate the community that God is as well as the community God makes, bound in love to one another, whatever comes.

Pastor Jen