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Dear friends and members of University UMC:
It was a great joy to see so many children, youth, and educators at Back-to-School Sunday. We had 80 backpack tags and none were left at the end of the day! All the children and youth received one. Several teachers and others who appreciated the tag’s “Be Kind” logo were able to take one as well. Many thanks to Illustrated Ministry, who designed the tags for this year. The blessing used in worship was written by Kate Bowler and prayed, “God, bless these backpacks, these symbols of a fresh beginning. And bless every kid who carries their heavy load, as all the new questions rise up in their hearts and minds.” I share the entire blessing below. |
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| Last week I attended a workshop for pastors at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. Many of you are familiar with this beautiful place in God’s creation. It’s a location that provided endless inspiration for artist Georgia O'Keeffe and is now home to a Presbyterian retreat center. I enjoyed the workshop’s presentations and worship. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to hike again at Ghost Ranch. |
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| The picture above was taken on the first group hike. It was described as an easier hike, and over thirty people signed up for it. I was towards the back, and will confess, my lack of patience reared its not-so-pretty head. I was near someone who provided a running commentary on everything he knew and all the places he’d been. I tried to hold space for some humility, acknowledging my hypocrisy–after all, I’m a talker too! But I craved a few silent moments to just breathe and take in the beauty of my surroundings. Furthermore, the hike went at a slower pace than I would have liked. With every step, I sensed myself getting more and more aggravated, and I began to wish I had hiked the path on my own.
The next day, we hiked a more rigorous trail. A smaller group signed up for this one. I had hiked this same trail almost two decades ago and wondered if I’d be up for the challenge. We set out, and I was relieved to discover I was doing more than alright. I was also very glad to not be alone. Part of the trail required a good amount of scrambling, using our hands and feet as we ascended at significant points. I felt the comfort and safety of being with others. We spotted one another. We cheered for one another. We took care of one another. At one point, I fell. With the exception of a small bruise on my hip, the only thing harmed was my pride. The slip was on a portion of gravel that caused me to slide a bit. As I got back on my feet, I immediately thought, “What if it had been worse? What if I was alone?” Suddenly, I embraced the gift of being with others. |
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| | View of the Chimney Rock Hike from a distance and of me as I arrived at the top |
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| An African Proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go together.” These are good words for all who hike. These are good words for all who live a life of faith, too. There are arguments in favor of going it alone. For starters, one might consider a faith community’s imperfections or the slower speed at which things get accomplished. But faith is lived out in community. No matter our imperfections, we, together with the perfect love of God, can and do go far.
Church - I’m grateful for you. Whether you attend every Sunday, come occasionally, or worship online, you are an important part of who we are at University UMC.
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa |
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| Blessing of the Backpacksby Kate BowlerGod, bless this school year, this new season,this chance to discover the world anew.We sense the anticipation of something about to happen,of all our preparation and worry and excitementfor new friendships and challenges and opportunities.God, bless these backpacks,these symbols of a fresh beginning.And bless every kid who carries their heavy load,as all the new questions rise up in their hearts and minds.God, bless this new environment and everyone in it.The teachers and professors who ready their classrooms,creating opportunities for learning and belonging.The administrators and staff as they stretch hearts and minds,and feel their own stretching too.The parents and caregivers who carry the weightof loving, protecting, and raising these kids.God, bless all who begin this journey of a new year,With every step they take, may they feel your presenceand hear you say, “I see you.I am with you. You are loved.”Each and every one. |
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| | In this world when you are chosen, you know that somebody else is not chosen. When you are the best, you know that somebody is not the best. When you win and receive a prize, you know there is somebody who lost. But this is not so in the heart of God. If you are chosen in the heart of God, you have eyes to see the chosenness of others. If the Love of God blesses you, you have eyes to see the blessedness of others. – Henri Nouwen |
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