Summer, 2016

Summer is in full swing with various adventures for everyone, including those staying home. There is a different feel in summer—an invitation to slow down, kick back, and relax, even in the midst of every day work. True, it can be foggy here, which is disorienting for those not used to it or who need a regular dose of sunshine. But, it’s also consoling and especially exciting when the sun appears. It seems many stop and take advantage of those moments, because they don’t take them for granted. Summer means school is out for many, work schedules often shift, whales are spouting, and it’s time to simply regroup. I, myself, will spend time with loved ones as my Florida family comes to visit. We all gather from various places not too far away, but often too busy to see each other regularly during the school year. It’s fun to be able to swim, play games, catch up on each other’s lives, experience new adventures, and just be. I appreciate such moments. In addition, I get to celebrate my 8th anniversary with my dear husband, visit my son Ryan in Portland (with my sister for 2 days!), and explore the North West in conjunction with my continuing education. I so appreciate the opportunity to have 3 very exciting learning experiences in the horizon. The first is a weekend retreat through the Center for Courage and Renewal founded by Parker Palmer. A hallmark of any retreat coming out of this center is Circle of Trust Touchstones encouraging deep listening and creating safe community for the inner teacher to emerge. The theme of my first retreat is on Transition and my second (walking the Camino in Spain) is Pilgrimage. I will also have a chance to attend the Grace Gathering in New Orleans, August 10-13 with Pastor Mary Anne Fiene. At the synod assembly, we had the honor and pleasure of experiencing our Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, the Reverend Elizabeth A. Eaton. She was funny, immediate, intelligent, and in touch with the issues of the day. She is clearly a woman of integrity and faith. I left synod assembly wanting to be in her presence again. This next year, opportunities for celebration and learning abound as we approach 500 years since the Reformation began. We ask what it means to be ever-reforming and what God wants of us now as people of faith. The Grace Gathering, with Bishop Eaton at the helm, is a way to inform and prepare us for this significant year. Thank you for the ways in which you encourage me to be the best me I can be, in order to faithfully serve God and you as a disciple of Christ and your pastor.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Dawn