A Letter from Jane

 Re-entry after any vacation is always interesting.  This time it seemed especially difficult.  While we were gone I had the luxury of not watching the news, reading emails or looking at Facebook.  Occasionally we’d hear a little bit, but not being constantly reminded of “the news” it was easy enough to dismiss the little we heard.  That also meant there was a lot to catch up on, and it was overwhelming.
 
These are difficult days on so many levels it’s hard to know where to start.  So, I won’t.  We’ve all heard most of what is happening.  It won’t help to rehash it or even bemoan it.  As a white Christian pastor I feel a responsibility to say something, to do something, but I haven’t figured out what that is yet.  I just re-entered the world of Facebook today and I saw lots of wise words and comments.  So, I’m at a loss as to what I may have to contribute to all of that.  I trust I’ll know when the time is right.
 
I have no doubt, however, that who we are and what we do at Trinity and in Cedar-Riverside is important, especially now……still…..again.  

We have a unique setting that allows us to listen to stories first-hand, to hear the fear and sadness and to support our neighbors right in our own backyard.  We get to celebrate and work with all kinds of friends of different faiths and languages and skin colors and countries of origin right where we are.  That is a gift that not many Lutheran churches enjoy.  We can genuinely be who and what our Christian faith calls us to be in our own community.  Our practice of accompaniment, that patient, long-term being in and with our community is what we do.  The openness, and courage and faithfulness and willingness to try news things that you all demonstrate day after day and year after year are inspiring to me and many others who hear our story.
 
So, we keep on keeping on in faithfulness and grace.  And hopefully we enjoy the ride on the way.
 
There are details involved in all of this and here are some of them in no particular order:
 

• Third Thursdays will continue.  Gather from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on the third Thursday of each month for a light meal of cheese, bread, fruit, water and wine and discussion on the writings of Richard Rohr.
• Our new intern, Liesl Spitz, begins on September 1st.  She will be with us half-time for two years.  Be sure to welcome her.
• Our school year schedule begins on Sept. 10.  9:00 informal meditation and Holy Communion; 9:45 Education Hour (Sunday School and Adult Forum); and 11:00 worship.
• Choir resumes on September 7.  Did you know that singing with others causes the release of endorphins in you and makes you feel good?  Come and give those endorphins a chance to work for you!  Thursdays at 7:00.
• One of the great words Michael Shadick coined was “remissitude.”  It is with an acknowledgement of remissitude in how long this took, but we have found a space with a desk for Amanda Weber in the “healing touch” room.
• A small group has been meeting with Imam Sharif from ICSA/Dar Al-Hijrah at Trinity for a class in Mind, Body, Wellness.  No doubt you will be hearing more about this. 

 
A short update on the progress on the book I’m working on – After reading through 587 entries three times, the number that remains is down to about 120 that may or may not be worthy of printing.  I’m at the point or trying to organize them and begin a search for an editor to help make sense of it all.
 
As the news and the world continue to spin, remember that God’s love is for all, no exceptions. 
 
See you in church,
Pastor Jane