Preparing a vessel

From the depths of my soul, I give thanks to all of you for the opportunity for a reset during my month of renewal leave. The kids are up and running in new routines, a few closets are a bit cleaner, and I am looking forward to worship and ministry as we enter our high holy days of Harvest Market.

I use the phrase in earnest, as this event means so much to so many. And just like other holidays and holy days, it comes with its fair share of stress, excitement, anticipation, and nostalgia.

I believe the reason we care so much about traditions like these, is that they can serve as vessels or containers for the things that are harder to hold onto. We cannot guarantee that feeling of God’s precious nearness on Christmas Eve, but we can make sure that our family is present, that there are enough candles for everyone, and that the lights get dimmed on that last verse of Silent Night. And then maybe, just maybe, we’ll sense the miracle.

Similarly, we cannot guarantee that we’ll run into each old neighbor or acquaintance, or that the weather will be a perfectly crisp fall day, or that each HM attendee will raise a thankful voice for the gifts of community, but we can do all our thoughtful planning and preparation to make the event fun and safe and welcoming and delicious. And that takes a lot from us!

It is my prayer, as the big day approaches, that we keep in mind that Harvest Market is a vessel for connections far beyond the ones we plan for or will ever know about. We are setting the stage for a play that others will act in, sending the message that it is good to be together, to live in this place, to share in the bounty of the harvest.

So let’s put our best vessel forward, with prayers that God will fill it to overflowing with moments of joy both fleeting and lasting.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Jen