A WORD FROM THE PASTOR….. “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
Dear Friends in Christ,
As I write to you this week, the wintry January weather has a grip on the region and there are moments when I feel as though I’m living inside a snow-globe that is continually being shaken. The season brings quiet and my world seems smaller than ever. As the pandemic continues, social distancing and remote connections add to the sense of stillness in my life. Even the pending transition of leadership in Washington, as we prepare for the departure of one President and the Inauguration of the next, often seems very far away from my place here on the hillside near the Ouleout Creek in Franklin. I’ve found it interesting to read about how the vibrations of the earth have stilled during the pandemic as we humans travel less and some of our activities have been put aside. In the quiet, animals are coming out of their hiding places and reappearing – often in some surprising places! (Wolves have been seen for the first time in many, many years in the north of France and in other places animals once thought to be extinct have recently been sighted.)
I’ve spent more time reflecting on what God’s purpose is in making times for quiet in our lives and in the world. What does it mean to “Be Still”? What is “Knowing that I am God” really about? And I’ve also wondered, what continued effects will this time have on us when we are able to be together with others again? I find myself asking, what is the purpose of this time for me and for us as Christians? How is God working in this time in each of our lives? Perhaps you find yourself with the same questions? My focus, lately, has been how to experience this “quiet time” as an opportunity to be still and come to know God in a deeper and more meaningful way. I’ve learned that “Being still”, in the Hebrew understanding, is putting down arms, not fighting, not wrestling, not doing anything at all but sitting still. If we think of this in our relationship with God, being still means recognizing that there is nothing we can do to change our circumstances and that God is fully and completely in charge. Being still before God – is accepting that God has this as we place our trust in God to carry us through. I’ve also learned that “being still” doesn’t actually mean doing nothing. Surrendering to God, gives us an opportunity to “know God” in a more profound way. Again, in the Hebrew understanding, to “know” another is to be in a deeply personal and intimate relationship with them. So, “knowing” God is to be very, very close to the heart of God.
The question then becomes, how do we come to “know God” by being still? There are five suggestions for deepening our relationship with God that are recommended by a Lisa Appelo, a widow with seven children who is writing about her faith journey on the internet. Lisa says that there are foundational pieces to “knowing” God that lead us to a much closer relationship. These key pieces are worship, prayer, remembering, gratitude and watching. Worship, as it is now with remote services, allows us to be in our own home/space while connecting with God and others through worship. It means that we can worship at a time that works for us and, also, that our worship isn’t limited to a Sunday morning service. In fact, this time of social isolation allows us to worship God throughout the day and to find a deeper companionship with God on our own. Prayer is the real key to deepening our relationship with God and is a natural part of focusing on worship as part of our day to day life. It is very important, during this time, to remember the times that God has supported us and carried us throughout our lives. For most of us, this isn’t the first challenge we’ve ever faced or the first time we’ve felt alone. Remembering how God has been with us in the past leads us, naturally, to gratitude – a true appreciation and thanksgiving for God’s goodness to us in all times and places. And finally, we come to a new understanding that “being still” is about watchfulness – not on our own – but in the company and with the support of God who is always with us. Watching with God is at the core of living with joy, hope, peace and love as we wait in “stillness” to see what God has planned for us next!
In the coming weeks, we will be forming our “connecting” groups among the people of our congregation. I am asking that these small groups of people find a way to connect at least once a week and to share how they are “being still” and “knowing” God through worship, prayer, remembering, gratitude and watching. Watch for more details soon!
In the meantime, I hope the best for each of you. Stay safe and well! Know that I love you and I need you to survive!
Peace,
Pastor Betsy
Pastor Ott is presently at half-time hours which means she will be in the office on average two times a week, usually on days when there are meetings. Friday is the regular day for recording the Sunday worship service.
Pastor’s hours this week: Tuesday 1/19 and Wednesday 1/20 (remote meeting and class) Thursday 1/21 (as needed or at home) and Friday 1/22 (recording session for Sunday worship)
Next week: Tuesday 1/26 (as needed or at home, Wednesday 1/27 (remote class), and Friday 1/29 (recording session for Sunday worship)
