Pastor’s Corner – October 12, 2023

Autumn greetings! 

How are you in this time of shifting seasons?  When the air becomes cooler and the colors begin to change, I thank God for one of the foundational experiences of my early years in the loving body of Jesus we call the church. In third grade we moved to Indianapolis when my dad started serving a congregation in downtown Indy. Every autumn this congregation participated in a 6-mile CROP Walk. This walk is sponsored by Church World Services and focuses on ending hunger. I enjoyed this event and time praying, walking, rolling, and strolling with people of all ages from faith communities across the city (and in different locations all over the country). 

Over the years, I am grateful to have had opportunities to participate with many different people and congregations in a variety of walks. So now the fall leads me to think of many walks and needs – many efforts, organizations, and people with whom to partner – the Alzheimer Walk, the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, the Suicide Prevention Walk, the Every Child Matters Walk on Orange Shirt Day, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk, the Infant Loss Walk, the Overdose Lifeline Walk. 

For me, walking or journeying is also an important metaphor for life. We do not all walk or stroll physically, but we all have a purpose and a mission. We all travel this life of love and learning. God is with us on this journey with all its twists and turns and ups and downs, and God joins us in community. As I think about the metaphorical stepping out in faith, I desire to seek God’s wisdom and guidance on what God’s next best step for me is in the daily movements of seeking to follow Jesus’ ways of love and compassion. 

I am grateful for all the ways God’s Spirit is at work in the world. I thank God for you and the ways you are living on the path of discipleship as we seek to share the love of Jesus with those around us. You are in my prayers as we journey together with God, and I appreciate your prayers. May you feel God’s loving embrace and encouragement in the colorful artistry of the Maker of the heavens and the earth this autumn. 

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5