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Friends,
In 2015, I backpacked along the Salkantay en route to Machu Picchu as a trip leader for Moondance Adventures. My co-leader and I had a dozen students under our care and began our trek with high hopes for the journey. Hours into our first day on the trail, it became clear that weather was not going to cooperate and that we’d need to set up camp early. Rain quickly became sleet, bearable temperatures quickly became unbearable, and moods plummeted at an incomprehensible rate. It was awful. And truthfully, a bit scary.
As we huddled in our tents, with Nalgene bottles of warm water tucked inside our sleeping bags for warmth, we each wondered if the storm would ever still – if the morning would ever come. Fear is like that, isn’t it? It surfaces questions about safety and security. It dilutes hope and gives birth to false narratives around the trajectory of our lives. Sometimes it even interferes with our ability to notice God’s presence and to trust in God’s care.
This is exactly what happens in the text we’ll consider together this weekend from Matthew 14: 22 – 36. A storm rages, fear descends, a disciple doubts, and Jesus responds, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” While many of you may be familiar with this story, there is always value in returning to a text. I’m glad to be preaching in the Chapel, and we look forward to welcoming Agnes Norfleet to Covenant, who will bring excellent preaching to the Sanctuary at both 9:30 and 11:00. Agnes has served churches in both Atlanta and Columbia, SC, and recently retired as Senior Pastor at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania. And of course, our Family Service will joyfully continue in the Fellowship Hall.
I look forward to seeing you, and I hope you’ll invite a friend. All are welcome.
Peace,
Mary Kate Sykes
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