From Our Pastors: October 11, 2024

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman

Pastor Megan
October 11, 2024

Dear church,

So much in the world at large and within our own community and families feels like it is in upheaval, right now. War, storms, the coming election, health challenges, grief, transitions, and more make it feel as though the ground is shifting for so many of us. I was reminded in a conversation this week of the framework offered by Joanna Macy in The Work that Reconnects. In it, she explains that how we choose to tell the story – of the world and society at large, but also of our lives – affects how we feel and how we act.

The three options for the story of the world right now she offers are: Business as Usual, The Great Unraveling, and The Great Turning. Do we accept things as they are? Fear for everything coming apart? Or believe that out of upheaval comes a new beginning, and creative actions along with it? The way we tell the story of now, what story we invest in for the future, determines how we act.

Though it is challenging at times, I believe our faith can help us to invest in The Great Turning. This doesn’t mean denying the difficulties of the moment, the challenges and upheaval, but rather calls on us to be active participants alongside God in turning all that is towards the good. In this season of connection, we lift up how connecting with one another turns us towards community, towards God’s Spirit, towards good and hope for the future.

Peace,
Megan

Past Posts

  • From Our Pastors
    Pastor Megan
    November 15, 2024
    Congregational Meeting Recap
    Thank you to everyone who joined in the Congregational Meeting last Sunday, and particular thanks to co-moderators Susan Hunt Stevens and Susan Gedrick for leading us, and to Jaap van Reijendam for ensuring those on Zoom could take part as well. The brief workshop Leila led on 1:1s, in the GBIO and community organizing model, gave us a tool for connecting with one another more deeply. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: November 8, 2024
    Pastor Megan
    November 8, 2024
    Post Election Interfaith Gathering
    I want to share with you a small portion of how I opened our interfaith post-election gathering, as we prepare to gather in community together this Sunday for worship and the congregational meeting. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: October 18, 2024
    Pastor Megan
    Octoberr 18, 2024
    Recent Celebrations
    Did you miss the recent celebrations at church? Here are some photos from our new sign celebration and the Blessing of the Animals! It has been a fall of connecting – with one another, the wider community, and God’s creation (including beloved pets like Barky, Felix, Jack, Rosey, and Lucy!). Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: October 11, 2024
    Pastor Megan
    Octoberr 11, 2024
    So much in the world at large and within our own community and families feels like it is in upheaval, right now. War, storms, the coming election, health challenges, grief, transitions, and more make it feel as though the ground is shifting for so many of us. I was reminded in a conversation this week of the framework offered by Joanna Macy in The Work that Reconnects. In it, she explains that how we choose to tell the story – of the world and society at large, but also of our lives – affects how we feel and how we act. Learn More
  • Hurricane Relief
    As I’m sure many of you have been, I have been devastated to see the pictures and reports coming out of communities in the Southeast that have been affected by Hurricane Helene, and wanting to find ways to help. One of the blessings of being affiliated with our two denominational partners is that our impact to help when disasters like this occur can be magnified by the existing systems of support that the denominations have in place. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: September 13, 2024
    Pastor Amy
    September 13, 2024
    It was a joy and comfort to be together again as we kicked off the new church year last weekend.  Something special happens when we worship and are fed together at the communion table; when we hug, cry, and laugh together; when we celebrate together in the sunshine.  Learn More
  • From our Pastor: July 19, 2024
    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, 2024
    Pastor 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