Welcome to Still Waters

At the Presbytery meeting last Saturday, we shared that this email would be called "Deep Waters" but then a bit of a Spirit led inspiration showed up on Monday morning with a reflection shared by our UCC colleague, Rev. David Long-Higgins. He shared a beautiful prayerful re-working of Psalm 23 which you will see below. As I read about the still waters, I realized that what we'll be sharing here are more about the places where you "eddy off" to the side of the river where the current isn't flowing as strong and you are able to stop and renew. Riding the currents are great but there are also times to eddy off to the side and be in the still waters. (Click the headers for the full reflections)

If you come across a resource you would like to share with the Presbytery, please send it along to sampler@cpresby.org (this email address will be changing in the coming weeks as well- just FYI)

Rev. David Long-Higgins, Heartland UCC Conference Minister

Loving God // Shepherd me // For I easily wander.

Clarify my heart and mind // Meet my every need // And release me //From my selfish wants.

Rachel Held Evans

From her most recent book - a collection of her blog posts prior to her death - Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning With and Reimagining Faith

Steven Bruening, Ruling Elder, Mt Washington

Healing spiritual wounds starts with the willingness to look directly at the marks of our history without flinching or turning away in shame...

Ted Foote Jr and P. Alex Thornburg

An online conversation with the authors along with the co-moderators of the PCUSA General Assembly - May 14, 2026. Register by May 6.

Rev. Dr. Rich Jones, Westwood First

Rich shares some of his recent reads that have been deeply meaningful to him - From Ilia Delio and Matthew Fox

Not a photo this week but instead a video from the recently re-opened Sharon Woods walking path. Just mesmerized by the swirling moves of the fog over the water. Reminded me of the Spirit moving over the waters of creation....