It hit me the other day that each second God's creation is different and unique--I just have more trouble remembering that in the dead of winter! One of the best things about spring is how new growth is so obvious--how we can see changes to God's creation each day in our own backyards and neighborhoods.
The photos above show how the "dead" rose bush and the beautiful bouquet I used in a children's message on March 29 look now. What looked dead before now shows signs of life; what was so beautiful before is now dry, brittle, and crumbling. I've been challenging myself (and those listening to my messages and reading our newsletter) to see some positives during this time of COVID-19 social distancing--some areas of growth they might be experiencing. Many of us might feel "dead" now like the rose bouquet, but with God there is always hope for renewal and growth like the rose bush. Here are some ways I've experienced this during the past several weeks:
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Each week during this the hiatus in live services, our district superintendent has held at least one ZOOM meeting. While my husband and I were tuned into the third one, he got a text from one of his regular ushers asking, “What about communion?” We typed that question into the chat box and another participant quickly said, “online consecration is not acceptable according to the United Methodist Book of Discipline.” Bishop Trimble was “visiting” our meeting that day and he agreed with the participant's statement; however, he said he felt an exception might be made for this specific situation. A week or so later, Bishop Trimble gave Indiana United Methodist pastors the go ahead to preside over communion online while we are unable to meet our congregations in person. As she's been doing for the past several months, Rev. Robin Smith will lead us in communion on Palm Sunday, April 5. I am not sure any of us expected we’d be participating in a service of Holy Communion online, but I’d invite you to join us. Gather items to represent the communion elements of bread and wine before you start the DIY service for April 5. |
Pastor CathyPastor Cathy has been appointed to Tyner UMC since July 2019; she also is a part-time writing instructor at Bethel University in Mishawaka. Archives
July 2022
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