April Newsletter Column

Dear Friends in Christ,

As I sat down to write my April column for the Epistle, these words of the Apostle Paul washed over me: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:12-13).

One could make a pretty good argument right now that hope is the greatest but I know that love has been the strongest guidepost and will remain so for me and our congregational leadership. Love is why we suspended in-person gatherings, including worship. Love is why people are calling one another and checking in with one another. Love is why so many of us are learning new technologies that help us stay connected in this digital age. Love is why we are finding new ways to care for our neighbors (those next door and those across the globe). Most important, God’s love for us is something we can continue to depend on.

Love will continue to guide our discernment. Our council will meet via Zoom Meeting on Monday, March 30. We will make final plans for Holy Week (more inside this Epistle) and the Season of Easter. Please know, I am planning ahead as though we will be in this for a while. The other ELCA Treasure Valley Cluster leaders and I have a  deep love for one another and for the Body of Christ that is our cluster. We are trying new ways to be church together (more inside the Epistle).

Know that God’s deep abiding love for the entire cosmos is not going to waver. It is a love that is steadfast and abundant, both personal and far-reaching. It continues to free us both from something (shame, guilt, participation in unjust systems) and for something (love of our neighbors, transforming the world into God’s reign). Thanks for your companionship and prayers as we navigate together through this pandemic.

Peace, Pastor Meggan