A WORD FROM THE PASTOR….. “For every time there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) & “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
Dear Friends in Christ,
I hope that you are staying safe and well these days. February has arrived and brought more snow and cold weather, but in a few days we’ll be half-way through the month! Then March is around the corner bringing with it more daylight as the time changes, the start of spring, and the promise of better days to come.
Recently, I found myself thinking about a book I read years ago, Walden: Life in the Woods, by Henry David Thoreau. I was actually wondering if now would be a good time to reread the narrative of Thoreau’s time on the Walden Pond, near Concord, Massachusetts. You may remember that Thoreau, finding the advancing civilization of the 1840’s too restrictive, longs for a simpler and quieter life. So, he heads off to the woods of “wilderness” New England, where he lives alone for two years, recording his experiences and, later, condensing the two years into one and publishing his book. Thoreau talks about his day to day challenges and how he experiences the natural world around him, but he also talks of his deeper, more personal experiences. In one section he tells about the long winter and how his isolation begins to wear on him. I really can’t imagine the challenges of living in a cabin and taking care of the heating and cooking and other daily activities alone. How difficult it must have been at times as the wind howled outside and snow piled up against the walls of his shelter! How could he manage being so isolated…with no companion and no support and no help? Yet, Thoreau writes that when spring arrives, he celebrates the transforming power of the season and finds a deeper appreciation for the cycles and seasons of the earth – and of his own cycles and seasons, as well.
Some years ago, I learned that without strong gales of wind and storms – the trees would not grow and would die after only a few years. Why? Because without the pushing and movement the wind causes as the tree sways in the wind (branches and sometimes the trunk, as well), the bark would remain weak and the tree would not be able to survive or have the strength to grow tall. The wind forces the tree to produce layers of bark that build a “wall of strength” which holds the tree up as it grows! Though I’m not certain how a tree “feels” about being pushed around by the wind, it’s interesting to know that the wind helps the tree become stronger and to thrive.
I think Thoreau’s time in the woods probably made him a much stronger “tree” when he returned to civilization. Perhaps he appreciated things that he once took for granted and had more tolerance for those things that challenged him. I think Jesus went away from the crowds and his day to day challenges of ministry, to strengthen himself and return ready to begin again with a restored spirit of peace and joy. I also think that though we don’t like the strong “wind” of COVID and, unlike Thoreau, we didn’t choose to isolate ourselves to get away from civilization, we are being strengthened during this time and will be more appreciative of life, of our freedom to move about safely, and to be with others than we might have been without this time apart.
In the meantime, unlike Thoreau, we have ways to connect with people and, even though we may grow weary of phone calls and zooming, these are our best way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones until we can be together face to face. I hope that will happen soon! For now, I ask you to support the small group ministry we’re starting during Lent. I’m asking each group to connect by phone or zoom at least once a week for about half an hour for support and brief devotions, which I will provide. This isn’t a perfect way for us to stay together, but it is the best way I know for us to stay strong as the winds continue to blow during this long winter of COVID. Imagine what the spring will be like when this time ends!
In the meantime, stay safe! You remain in my prayers….and remember, I love you and I need you to survive!
Peace, Pastor Betsy
Pastor Ott is presently at half-time hours which means 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 Office hours this week: Worship Planning at home. See meeting and other scheduled events below.
Friday (recording session for Sunday worship)
