What’s Going on at the Church
“Weighing Truth and Life”
Almost every week we learn of another person who needs our prayers. Most of the time it is for healing. Someone’s heart is broken in grief. Someone has suffered an injury or disease. We all need healing of one kind or another at some point in our lives. Becca Stevens offers us some insight about healing.
“Healing takes time. Since we can’t control time, the best we can do is create a safe environment where healing can be explored. Creating that environment is an ongoing endeavor that takes a persistent faith. The gospels tell a beautiful story of the persistent widow. In Luke’s parable, the woman has to plead with a judge who doesn’t fear God, or even care about justice, but because the widow bothers him day and night with her pleas, he grants her justice. Jesus said to his disciples, “Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones?”
We are called to be persistent in our pursuit of healing. Yet there is a point, as there is in exercise, recovery and parenting, where we hit plateaus. We aren’t seeing much improvement or change, and so we want to give up. But time and persistence keep working even when we can’t see any visible change.
We have to trust that healing is happening and keep practicing what we know we are supposed to do. Then healing will unfold in new and unimagined ways. We will be so grateful we didn’t give up.
It’s important for all of us to find a safe environment where we can discover the healing possible in our lives, where we can let time pass and do its work. Sometimes in the thick of crises, grief, and pain, it’s hard to get a perspective on how healing can come. Time offers that perspective. Time itself doesn’t do the healing, but using all the tools we’ve explored over time can.
We don’t have to know how long healing will take; we just have to keep praying, and working like the widow before the judge. Time opens up room for healing to take root in us. Finding a safe place for the healiing work of time is unique to everyone. For some, it will be a church community; for others, it will be the sanctuary of the woods. Still others will find safety in their homes, in recovery rooms, or the presence of someone they call beloved. It is where the word home fits and where peace dwells.”
Blessing and Peace, Ed
Looking to donate to our thrift sales?
If you have any furniture to donate, please take a photo of what you have and send the photos to office@1stpresrahway.org. At this time, we’re not accepting clothes or shoes.
Members usually work on Wednesday’s for our sales from 10:30 am -1:30 pm. If that’s not a convenient time for you to drop off donations, other arrangements can be made. Please email the church office and your request will be forwarded to the “sales crew” so they can respond to your inquiry.
As always, thank you to all who donate. Our sales have been a great success this year because of you!
Important Message from the USRC Board of Directors:
Please read these guidelines about Squier Hall and the formation of the USRC Board of Directors, who will be overseeing the groups meeting in Squier.
As part of the guidelines, please use this form if you have any concerns so that they can be addressed.
Interested in Getting Involved?
We have a lot of different ways for you to get involved – short-term projects, one-time opportunities, working with our livestream technology on Sundays, plus much more. Click on the button below to see what we have on our ‘volunteer wish list’. As more opportunities become available, we will be sure to update our listings.