From the Pastor

A Little Love Note

By the time you read this, dear one, the Autumnal Equinox will have come and gone; however, I write this the day of, when day and night are equal. It is during the change of season where the Divine seems to invite us to consider balance and harmony in our lives and in our relationships with one another within and outside the church walls.

Although I am actively working to intentionally slow down and be discerning of my commitments, I tend to get excited about many things and overcommit myself. In order to continue to be prayerful and discerning and to remain a faithful disciple, spouse, and parent, I practice a Sabbath day weekly on Fridays. Sabbath is an intentional slowing down, a time of soaking in God’s love. Spending time in this space nurtures balance in my life. Since I’ve carved out space and time to remember who I am and whose I am, I quite truly am pieced back together during that time and am able to show up in church, in my family, and in the community as my best self.

Just because I am practicing Sabbath doesn’t mean the world stops! I am very aware of that. On Fridays, if something comes up and there is a pastoral emergency, please contact Nylene Bradburn at (309) 634-5591 (see the Church Directory app). She will let me know.

I invite you to join me in finding time to practice Sabbath. To soak in the love of God. Could there be a certain time and space where God is just waiting to spend time with you? Where God is inviting you to find balance in your life? Where you can remember who you are and whose you are?

Love,

Pastor Melissa