Pastor’s Paragraph - September 3, 2020
In my last note to you in the e-news, I shared that I had been hearing about tender-hearted living very regularly. I also shared that the spiritual practice of examen, which involves reflecting on each day, is something that helps me in my desire to live with an open and courageous heart. Another spiritual practice that supports me in seeking to live with a tender heart is connecting with God's creation. Spending time enjoying and giving thanks for the beauty and wonder of that which God has made slows me down. Admiring and reflecting upon God's majesty and nearness revealed in creation offers me healing and space to be curious, imaginative, and calmer. Are there aspects of God's creation that offer you encouragement, healing, rest, and nourishment? What are your favorite ways to connect with God's creation and/or God's creative and creating Spirit? Are there stories in the Bible that connect you with an experience of awe, gratitude, or humility as we feel the power and grace of God? God's covenant symbolized in a rainbow, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of quail and manna, the calming of the sea, the trembling of the earth in the stories of Jesus' death and resurrection, the tree of life....also invite me to pause in amazement of God's work and gift of our interconnectedness and dependency on God's world.
May you find time - even a few moments or breaths at a time - to soak in the compassion and grace of the Creator, renewing us and strengthening us to go forth as loved and loving children of God.
With gratitude and prayers,
Sarah
317-709-5857 pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com.
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him."
Revelation 22:1-3
