A Full Copy Of July 7th’s Thursday Thoughts Can Be Found HERE
July 7, 2022
Dear Congregation:
There are seasons in our lives that are perplexing, concerning, and bewildering. There are seasons in our lives that are painful, grief-filled, and exhausting. There are seasons in our lives that are joy-filled, exciting, and beautiful. And like the seasons we experience in nature, where one day it is hot and muggy and the next a cool and breezy day, so it is true in the seasons of our lives.
Over the past few weeks, members of our congregation have faced the death of loved ones. We have found ourselves with unexpected hospitalizations and surgeries. Some of us are facing a change in our daily routine as we have retired or are making changes in our employment. Some of us are preparing for a transition to an empty house as our youngest child heads off to college.
We know that change is inevitable; that the seasons come whether we want them to or not.
These changes can be bewildering and fearful. We wonder how we will go on. How will we live in this new season?
While those fears and questions do not leave us, we are not left alone to ourselves. Light breaks into those days. Hope arrives in unexpected ways. We laugh as we remember a loved one’s life, even as tears flow from the pain of loss. We recall stories of how quickly we were able to get to the hospital for that emergency surgery and give thanks. As we help our young adult pack bags for their new life, we recall those precious days when we watched them get their first tooth, learned how to ride a bike and do all manner of silly things.
Over these weeks, I have seen again, how our church community surrounds one another with hope and light. We make phone calls, send cards, make visits, and pray. We listen as stories are told. We are present as tears flow. We celebrate the seasons of someone’s life and remind them of the impact they have had on our lives and those of so many others.
The musical, Rent, tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in modern day East Village New York. They ponder life and how to make sense of what is happening around them. They ask questions about how to measure the value of life in the beautiful song, “Seasons of Love.” “In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee, in laughter, in strife…How do you measure a year in the life? How about love? Remember the love…Measure your life in seasons of love.”
May we see and remember the love that surrounds us from God, family and friends, and our church community as we experience these seasons in our lives.
Note:
Please plan to be in worship on Sunday as we celebrate the season of Kim Sexton’s ministry with ERUCC and give thanks for all she has shared with us.
Another Note:
As Kim Sexton’s ministry with us as Associate Minister for Children’s Ministries concludes, it is important for our congregation to take time to reflect on what we should start, stop, and continue as it relates to what and how we are sharing in our ministry with children and their families. With thanks for his help, David Cooney has agreed to facilitate three Listening Sessions on this. The schedule is:
- Tuesday, July 12, at 6:00 pm via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83775669655?pwd=NWUxZVo4N09WN0RXQ3R2bWRLdnBJdz09
Meeting ID: 837 7566 9655
Passcode: 729030
- Sunday, July 17, in the Community Room after the 10:30 am service (babysitting provided)
- Wednesday, July 20, in the Community Room at 6:00 pm in person (babysitting provided)
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel
Senior Pastor, Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
15 W. Church Street Frederick MD 21702
301-662-2762
bkdaniel@erucc.org
