Pastor’s Corner – May 25, 2023
Dear Beloved,
How is it with your being in this season? From my perspective it feels like a time of transitions for many. In these times when I remember summer breaks full of playing outside with friends all day (as soon as my required piano practice and summer reading were done), I pray especially for children and teens where summer break means the absence of the structure and supports of school that can be helpful. I’m grateful for summer servings, and yet I am still concerned that some children may not have enough to eat.
It also feels like I know many people who are in the midst of other transitions – changes in family, work, living situation, health, plans, hopes, dreams, understandings of who they are or how they express themselves to others. If you are in the midst of a time of change and uncertainty, where or how do you find peace, calm, and rest?
I am grateful for faith communities and prayer partners who help me through seasons of change. I’m grateful for the way God created the seasons and the rhythm of night and day – in many ways we are always changing, even when we don’t feel it as deeply. I also praise God for the beautiful diversity and splendor of all God creates and find renewal and rest out in God’s creation. I’m grateful that this summer we have a special opportunity with Indiana Humanities to connect with the earth God has made through a conversation with Autumn Brunelle. Autumn is Anishinaabe, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and grew up on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Autumn graduated in 2015 from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Native American Studies with a desire for integrating indigenous knowledge into environmental education and outreach. She has continued to develop this passion through her diverse work experiences with international and local non-profits, the National Park Service, local governments, and in creating community-based environmental programming. She currently works as a full-time Naturalist for the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department. I hope you’ll mark your calendar for Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. to join us for this program with Autumn, the Peace Learning Center, Indy Public Libraries, and Crossroad Dance Indy. If you are available to help with this program, please contact me at pastorsarah.friedensucc.org or 317-709-5857.
You are in my prayers this season and in all the seasons of life as we journey together. May you always know that no matter who you are, where you are, or what questions you have, you are welcome with Friedens United Church of Christ, and you are a beloved child of God!
“Oh give thanks to God, for God is good, God’s steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1
