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The beauty of the spring and the difficulty of the economy in people’s lives are clashing in my heart today. I am thinking of how vulnerable we are to disruptions beyond our control. I feel so sad and helpless when someone I love loses their job or income, or can’t find work. And yet, when I go outside, there is such beauty and abundance—the flowers are everywhere, and the colors are a feast to my eyes. The songs of the birds fill my soul. The earth gives me strength.
I know the earth is vulnerable too. I hope for the day when human beings can be in a mutually beneficial relationship with this wonderful planet. I believe that when we find that kind of relationship with the earth, our economy will be grounded and sustainable as well. It is all connected. So I am very happy about a learning opportunity I will have at the very beginning of summer. On June 21st, after our last service of the church year, and our end of the year picnic, I will be driving up to Unity, Maine to attend an Earth Activist Training.
As described by the teachers, “an Earth Activist Training can show you how to save the world. Green solutions are sprouting up all around us, but permaculture shows us how to weave them together into systems that can meet human needs and regenerate the natural world.” The two week intensive will include a basic, internationally-recognized 72 hour permaculture curriculum with an additional focus on social permaculture, organizing tools, and spirit. (This is during the time I usually go to General Assembly, but I decided I would rather spend the money on this professional development opportunity.) I’ll be excited to share about it when I return.
Each summer I take some time for vacation, and some time for study opportunities, while the church continues with lay-led worship services, and pastoral volunteers. This summer is just the same, but will feel a little different because it leads into my four month sabbatical in the fall. I know the church has been feeling some anxiety about my being away, and that’s to be expected. But I have seen the wisdom and dedication of all of our members here, and together we are preparing lay-led systems to handle the duties that usually belong to me. You can find out more about the details in the new Sabbatical brochure that has just been completed. (And soon to be posted on the church website.) This is a church with strong lay leadership, and I know all will be well.
I am also happy to announce the creation of a Pastoral Care Team at A2U2, to be chaired by Ruby Parker. “Pastoral care” isn’t just something that ministers do. Pastoral care means being present to someone during a time of need in their lives. The Pastoral Care Team is a group of church members who have training or experience in compassionate listening, and who are willing to be available to other members who are experiencing illness, bereavement, or other stressful challenges. At A2U2, much compassionate listening happens informally between members and friends, and in the context of other church groups. But the Pastoral Care Team will respond more intentionally to help our church live out its mission of caring. The Team will be responsible for pastoral care during my summer leave and autumn sabbatical, and will also continue beyond that time to expand the support and care we offer our members.
The truth is we can’t solve all the hardship that enters the lives of the people we care about. But we can be compassionate listeners during times of vulnerability—and that listening presence will be a source of strength, just like the earth is a source of strength. Blessed be!
Myke
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