Lately I’ve been reminded of the Simon & Garfunkel song, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”
“When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side. “
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling pretty weary lately. According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary, weary is “exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness” and/or “having one’s patience tolerance, or pleasure exhausted.” Conference has always been a time of spiritual renewal for me; a time to reconnect with colleagues, and gain new tools to assist me in ministry. It’s true that this year is different. There won’t be an ice cream social or dance to get all dressed up for. However, the most important element, connection is still available to us.
We have all faced profound changes in our ministries during these unprecedented times. Now is the time to join together and support each other in navigating church and building community in light of a pandemic, social unrest, Black Lives Matter and all that we encounter in our daily lives in 2020. This is why, now more than ever, our conference is a must.
I know you may be like me and feel “zoomed-out”, but I urge you not to miss this important opportunity to join us as we “Re-imagine Spiritual Community.”
The 2020 Online Great Lakes Conference via Zoom will feature Rev. Jim & Lisa Lee, Rev. Sharon Ketcham, and Charles & Gwen Scales as musicians. I know you may be like me and feel “zoomed-out”, but I urge you not to miss this important opportunity to join us in re-imagining spiritual community in the midst of this new landscape of COVID-19 and the compelling energy of Black Lives Matter. Our presenters will lead us in powerful discourse on
- What are the most profound changes you’ve experienced during the pandemic/George Floyd aftermath?
- What do we take forward? What do we leave behind?
- What is the highest idea now being called forth in your spiritual community
For those who know me, it will come as no surprise that one of the ways I observe Sabbath is by kayaking. On my most recent Sabbath I got to see a golden eagle perched majestically in a tree. I was reminded of a favorite verse, Is. 40:31:
But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
I have faith that the bridge is before us and hand in hand we will walk across these troubled waters. I’ll be “seeing” you at conference!