From the Pastor
Beloved,
What can I say? I have been completely overwhelmed by your care, kindness, and support. Thank you sincerely for your leadership, patience, and compassion while I've been away. Thank you for your various cards, texts, emails, photos, and meals. Thank you for the lovely floral arrangement at my mother's service. This grief is unlike any pain I've ever experienced and is truly a moment-to-moment proposition. So, thank you for your radical generosity in allowing me to ease back into life here at my pace. I admit that my thinking is slower, my spirit sadder, and my body more exhausted these days. I trust, though, with the passage of time, I will rebound.
And, I want you to know how much my mother loved this community and how dear you were to her. I read her each and every one of your texts, emails, and prayers when I was with her in her final hours. She knew exactly who each of you were, whose children belonged to you, and even your own joys and concerns. She was so proud of us at UCG - I trust she still is.
Now for a confession: Lent will be upon us next Wednesday, and I feel spiritually and emotionally dubious. And yet, this is the gift of this place: to be able to journey into this wilderness together.
Our Lenten season begins this Wednesday with our annual Ash Wednesday labyrinth walk. Join us between 6-8 PM as we walk the labyrinth seeking peace. Ashes will be available. Our theme this year, beloved, will be LAMENT. So, prepare your hearts for this season - despite my trepidation this year, Lent remains my favorite liturgical season. There is much to glean from facing our finitude.
I am back - I am here - and we are together. Emmanuel!
-Pastor Alissia
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