Beloved,

It’s Friday afternoon, and it feels like sabbath is starting early, like people are taking an easy pace. The streets are quiet. Ian and I just welcomed Latoris Shepherd, who flew in from Urban Farming in Detroit, to scope our land out as a location for a new community garden. The seed is there, deep in the frozen soil.

There’s no snow this year for a snow labyrinth on our retreat, but 40+ of us will gather in a few hours to make our way to the middle of something, nonetheless, to go deep under the soil. The heart of a community, undiscovered secrets and spiritual longings in our souls, the word of God in our midst. I can’t wait to be with you.

We’ll be back tomorrow night–pray for us, those who stay here! We’ll pray for you too, for soil-stirring.

Sunday morning, we’ll all gather in worship. It’s not yet Lent, but Epiphany is well established. We’re on the cusp of a new thing. Lent starts a week from Wednesday, with our Ash Wednesday service. As old Lenten disciplines of “giving things up” seem to have fallen into disfavor, I’m preaching this Sunday on “what good is Lent?” so that we might prepare for ourselves spiritual disciplines and practices, instead of getting taken by surprise.  Jennifer B. will be our able liturgist. Laura Ruth will lead us in prayer, and bless our 17 Mexico Missioners on our way. We’ll celebrate communion together.

After worship: Rooftop People, people in caregiving professions, gather to go the mile and share the load, reflecting on scripture and their callings. All are welcome. Donations for the Casa will begin to take shape in duffel bags to head first to JFK next Saturday, then Guadalajara, then finally Colima, Mexico! Thank you for your generosity. We’ll take lots of pictures so you can see the children’s joy.

By the way, I had a great day away preaching among the Unitarians last Sunday, and am so glad you welcomed Rev. Hank warmly–but I hope you know how glad I am that we’re each others’ people. There’s just nothing like First Church, for me.

blessings
Molly