We are now in our eighth week of remote/online worship, small groups, committee meetings, and other ministries. As I evaluate how we are doing during these days, I am thrilled with all that is happening. Many are learning new skills online, as they connect with each other with such delight. We are creating new worship each week, using tools that we have never utilized before. People are calling and checking on each other daily. In these actions, we are being church to each other.
The first thing I do each morning as I am drinking my first cup of coffee, is to look back at my memories on Facebook from that day. Facebook has a tool to show you the things you posted on a particular date for every year. As I am writing this article on Monday, the date is April 27. The first memories I saw was the year 2011, when tornadoes devastated North Alabama. Many of you have heard my retelling of those stories and how difficult those days were.
But, to balance out those hard posts, I also came upon my "call" day at Union. On April 27, 2014, I was called to be your pastor. I remember that day with such joy and anticipation. I've included a few pictures for fun! Looking back on that beginning, I am amazed at the things that have happened and all the ministries we have undertaken together. I give thanks to God for our shared ministry over these six years - a ministry has taken on a different look during these days.
Know of my deep love for you all. I leave you with a beautiful prayer by Rabbi David Wolpe. During these days of uncertainty, may his words speak to all of us today.
Merciful God
In a time of fear we pray for calm.
In a time of illness we pray for health.
In a time of isolation we pray for community.
As we worry about ourselves and those we love
Help us keep others in our minds and in our hearts:
The bereaved, the bereft, the workers, the healers.
May the night find us courageous and compassionate
And the dawn come soon.
-Pastor Jane
