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Peace be with you! 

May this letter find you with good health and sunshine, 

May the blossoming flowers inspire your spirit to do the same, 

May you find within this isolation a reminder of our interconnectedness, that we all belong to each other. 

As I reflect on these past few months, I remember just how few opportunities I had to meet people in person before this pandemic started. It has not made it easy to always know what is best to do next but I am very grateful for all the ways you have shown up to this church. Thank you for trusting me, thank you for accompanying me, thank you for learning with me. 

I hope over the next little while you can find that healthy balance between challenging yourself to try new things and experiencing growth, and knowing when you’re doing too much so you can let go and take time to recover. If everything is going to feel different, might as well make it work for you so you can be the best version of yourself that is possible right now. Please give your dogs and cats an extra hug for me. I hope to see or hear from you soon!

Coffee Hour and Worship Service- Sunday May 17 

Coffee Hour starts at 10 am

Worship at 10:30 am

Come as you are and when you are able! All are most welcome to join (pets included)! Sunday morning is your chance to connect with each other and share in worship. Over the next little while we'll be exploring the theme Unraveled: Seeking God When Our Plans Fall Apart. May we find God, like a Holy Knitter, stitching us back together and weaving us into the intricate web of life. This week will be joining Peter as he attempts to walk on water while we reflect on the importance of friendship and supporting one another. Simply click here on Sunday morning. You can also join by phone! Call 1-438-809-7799 and enter 88024485751# when prompted. 

Offering 

If you are able, please continue to support the church financially during this time. Our building may be closed but the work of the church continues! Your offering to the church of time, talent, and treasure during this time is greatly appreciated. We are also looking for people interested in offering their leadership for our online worship over the next little while. Please be in touch with me if you would like to sign up for any of the tasks needed such as reading scripture or sharing your gift of music. 

Pastoral Care 

I’m only a phone call, email, or text away if you are ever in need to be in touch. Prayer requests and questions about God and spirituality or just a friendly hello are all great ways to keep in touch. Sometimes we can tell ourselves that we don’t deserve help because others need it more but the truth is, all of us need each other and need support from time to time. Don’t be afraid to reach out! 

Family Corner

A special note for all of you whose house has become a playground, a school, and workplace, and so much more as you balance all of these new challenges and stresses of being a parent during this pandemic: 

I am praying and thinking of you! I miss the opportunities to get to know you better, not just as parents but as the unique people you are. I also miss worshipping with the fun energy of children and all the interesting ways we learn together in worship. If you or your children have questions they’d like to ask a minister about please let me know! I would be happy to answer them. 

Mapping The Emotional Journey

Are you starting to notice that you are feeling that this physical distancing is feeling harder? Coming to the end of your “just think positive and we’ll get through this” energy? I’ve found a couple of articles that help better explain where we are in terms of this unprecedented time of change. I’m noticing that the sense of panic and need to draw everyone close is giving way to boredom and a desire to move slowly and socialize less. However this extended period of time is impacting you, I hope that you will give yourself some time to care for yourself and notice what is changing for you without any judgement. 

Read the articles here: 

Mapping What’s Ahead: The Emotional Journey of a Crisis by Dwight Zscheile

We have begun the dreaded third quarter of isolation, when — yes — things get weird By James Purtill

 

We are not alone

We live in God’s world. 

 

Yours in Christ, 

Michiko