“This fits the pattern of how God responds to human suffering: We come looking for answers; God sends a hot meal through a warm body. We come looking for reasons for our hunger; God sends provision to feed us. We come looking for a sermon that will explain the complexity of the cosmos to us and satiate our desire for understanding; Christ responds with, "This is my body, given for you; this is my blood, shed for you."

People try to offer us an explanation; God offers us a Eucharist.”

- Jonathan Martin, How to Survive a Shipwreck: Help Is on the Way and Love Is Already Here 

In this season of COVID, It seems that the norm is the more I learn the less I know. As we live with canceled Football seasons, changes in school schedules, and online-only church, it is easy to get weary. This week it was like God whispered to me “up your game.” In other words, if you want different results you will have to change up the routine.  

Early in the Pandemic, I encouraged us to listen to less news and more God. I encouraged us to seek out beauty in music, creation, and each other. I encouraged us to create a community in new ways. So I am relearning my need for these things that give me life. I am reaching out to friends that God has put on my heart. I am finding a way to serve (this week I gave blood). I am taking the time to become aware of the beauty of our world. 

Rising strong is a spiritual practice and this week we will work on the second step of the process: the rumble invites us to get honest about the stories we make up about our struggles. Then, we work to determine what parts of that story are assumptions, self-preservation, truth, and what needs to change so we can lead more whole-hearted lives.

Join us for worship. Share us on social media. Invite a friend. Wear a mask. Let’s be the church in this odd time.  

Grace and peace,

Rev Dr. Duane A Anders (he, him, his)

P.S. Thank you for your giving to support and feed the kids at the Tijuana Christian Mission!