Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Megan
June 28, 2024
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:4
I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. If you’re an athlete, or if you’ve spectated at the Marathon, you probably know what I mean. Even while competing, people tend to be supportive of one another.
On Sunday, people continually encouraged, congratulated, and got to know one another in the short time it took to pass on the bike or run. I stopped during the swim to be sure that someone treading and coughing was safe, and then someone else paused their own race to help me get loose from the wetsuit that was stuck around my shoulders as I transitioned to the bike. All throughout, I witnessed people checking in on and helping one another. The kindness that suffused the whole day, the sense that we were all part of something together, was what made it enjoyable throughout.
In worship this Sunday, we’ll hear some of the Apostle Paul’s (many) instructions for how to be together in community. As I experienced a community that formed and then dissipated over the course of one morning, I was reminded again of Paul’s exhortation to “always seek to do good to one another.” We seek to do good for those whom we already know in our church community, of course. And, our faith teaches us, we see glimpses of the Kingdom of God all around us, in which we recognize that all of God’s people, all of creation, are part of that community we are called to love and serve. One wetsuit sleeve, one “way to go,” one kindness at a time.
Peace,
Pastor Megan
Past Posts
- From Our Pastors
Pastor Amy
July 19, 2024 On Thursday, July 18, travelers and members of UCW gathered to share learnings, photos, and stories from our recent service trip to Puerto Rico. The trip at the end of June was transformative for the 20 members (mostly high school and college youth) who travelled. Learn More - From Our Pastors – July 19, 2024Pastor Megan
July 5, 2024 Beloved, have you gotten and decorated a Flat Jesus yet? Be sure to take part in this fun and creative way of staying in touch with one another throughout the summer, and of sharing with one another as the new church year begins in September. Learn More - From Our Pastors – June 28 2024Pastor Megan
June 28, 2024 I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. Learn More - From Our Pastors: Pastor Amy – May 17Pastor Amy
May 17, 2024 What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024 From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024 We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary. We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024 This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024 This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More
