Beloved Community:
There is fable about a king who wanted to experience Peace. He wanted to know what peace looked like, so he commissioned two artists to create the perfect picture of peace. The first one created a beautiful mountain landscape in which gorgeous trees towered over a lake. The lake’s waters were so calm, tranquil and serene that they served as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the mountains, trees and sky all around it. Everyone looking at it said it was "the perfect picture of peace".
The second artist created a painting of a raging waterfall that thundered and cascaded down a rocky precipice. The water pounded so hard on the rocks below it that a mist rose from it and trickled into dark ominous clouds that filled the sky. The tone of the entire painting was angry and violent. Looking more closely, one could see a tree with a gnarled branch standing at the side of the waterfall. On that branch was a tiny bird in a nest that was singing a beautiful song, even though it was within inches of the raging, torrential waterfall. The people were in awe and said, “Yes! That is the perfect picture of peace.”
So…which painting truly was the perfect picture of peace? I believe they both were.
For the last two weeks we have been talking about how we can experience peace in a world that seems to be in so much conflict. We will conclude the series this Sunday and I invite you to join me as we talk about the ”Power of Vision”. We will explore how to SEE things rightly, rather than trying to MAKE them right. We begin at 10:30 a.m. in the CSL Sanctuary or on FaceBook Live.
As Fall gently engulfs us, in many ways I dread the upcoming months. As the weather cools down, I fear our isolation and distancing may intensify. That’s why I am so excited to invite you to our outdoor service at the CSL Boise on October 4. In two weeks, we will have an OUTDOOR Celebration Service and Pet Blessing! Blaze and Kelly along with Becky Blake are our guest musicians with the amazing “Juno” joining us as our guest 4-legged Pet Blessing Officiant!
Many of you have asked for a way to come back together as community before the cold weather sets in. And I completely understand that some of you have been uncomfortable coming into the building for service. This way, we can provide social distancing, coupled with mask wearing outdoors for a very safe and enjoyable time together in the east parking lot. We are planning a special Sunday Service and a few surprises for you as well!
Seating will be marked out to maintain social distancing. Please bring a lawn chair and light jacket. No worries, some chairs will be provided if you forget your chair. There will be separate seating for those of you who may not want to be around the animals (not that there are any of you!) Bring your dogs, kitties, hamsters, birds, etc. for the blessing on St. Francis of Assisi’s birthday!
We also invite you to send a photo of your pet (you should be in the picture too!) to cslnews@cslboise.org. Please send the photo with your name and the name of your pet(s) by this Monday, September 28 to be included in the power point presentation on our Thursday E-blast.
We have missed seeing so many of you during this time of Pandemic. I hope you will join us on Oct. 4 at our Outdoor Sunday Service Celebration at 10:30 am. Please know that we completely understand if you are not comfortable with coming together this way. Although we miss you, your safety and health are our number one concern. We love you! We will still be on FaceBook Live that morning for those of you who wish to have service at home.
I look forward to seeing your shining eyes over your masks this Sunday or on October 4 at the Center!
Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Jackie Holland
Community Spiritual Leader
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