February 2021: Feeling lighter

While driving in Dover doing errands last Saturday, I sensed a shift in the air. It was a day much warmer than our cold weather of late. The sun was shining and there were many people zipping around on the roads. I heard music coming from cars as I stopped at a light and saw people walking with to-go coffees tucked under their masks. My interaction with a person in a store was pleasant and engaging, maybe even more cordial and chatty than typical purchase exchanges. I wondered if people were feeling “lighter” because of access to vaccinations, longer days, or the need to wear fewer layers of clothing.

Another errand was to go and buy a gift card at one of my favorite local coffee shops. I hadn’t been inside this coffee shop for a year and I arrived there just before they closed. It was still nice to see the same employees working and the charm of the space could still be felt.

As I drove home I realized I also felt lighter. We each have favorite places we like to visit for different reasons. These places are special simply because they’re beautiful, hold meaningful memories, invite fun, coax us into relaxation, or bring important people together. We can probably all say we have put visiting these places on hold but we are beginning to see some light closer to our new normal.

As we move into the season of Lent we are asked to reflect and follow practices that renew our faith. I think we began this church renewal in January at our annual meeting when we approved our Reconciling in Christ Welcome Statement. We spent six-months educating ourselves through discussion, speakers, readings, podcasts, books, and conversations. We asked questions, listened, shared our beliefs, told personal stories, and worked to honor the safe space we created for those who entered. Our work continues as we open more doors of opportunities to welcome and affirm the uniqueness and diversity that makes the world. A world that God created with people who bring interest, growth, and significance to our lives.

January 2021: I feel lighter.

While driving in Dover doing errands last Saturday, I sensed a shift in the air. It was a day much warmer than our cold weather of late. The sun was shining and there were many people zipping around on the roads. I heard music coming from cars as I stopped at a light and saw people walking with to-go coffees tucked under their masks. My interaction with a person in a store was pleasant and engaging, maybe even more cordial and chatty than typical purchase exchanges. I wondered if people were feeling “lighter” because of access to vaccinations, longer days, or the need to wear fewer layers of clothing.

Another errand was to go and buy a gift card at one of my favorite local coffee shops. I hadn’t been inside this coffee shop for a year and I arrived there just before they closed. It was still nice to see the same employees working and the charm of the space could still be felt.

As I drove home I realized I also felt lighter. We each have favorite places we like to visit for different reasons. These places are special simply because they’re beautiful, hold meaningful memories, invite fun, coax us into relaxation, or bring important people together. We can probably all say we have put visiting these places on hold but we are beginning to see some light closer to our new normal.

As we move into the season of Lent we are asked to reflect and follow practices that renew our faith. I think we began this church renewal in January at our annual meeting when we approved our Reconciling in Christ Welcome Statement. We spent six-months educating ourselves through discussion, speakers, readings, podcasts, books, and conversations. We asked questions, listened, shared our beliefs, told personal stories, and worked to honor the safe space we created for those who entered. Our work continues as we open more doors of opportunities to welcome and affirm the uniqueness and diversity that makes the world. A world that God created with people who bring interest, growth, and significance to our lives.

December 2020: “I seldom go through a week when I am not amazed at the things I see and hear from my 1st graders.”

I seldom go through a week when I am not amazed at the things I see and hear from my 1st graders. They have their moments, but by far they surprise me with their determination, perception beyond their years, empathy, and curiosity. In November and December, I share the traditions of other holidays celebrated around the world. This year it was: Diwali, St. Nicolas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia, Christmas in Germany, and Kwanzaa. We learn about how children and their families celebrate each holiday. and inevitably someone mentions how they all have customs that involve music, food, gifts, and lights.

I share these stories because lately I’ve had to remind myself to not miss these special “classroom happenings.” Growing COVID demands and challenges have contributed to the usual holiday frenzy typical of this time of year. The other day I put up some white lights as a reminder. A reminder to keep my eyes open and ears ready to catch the “light” my students unsuspectingly share on a regular basis. A reminder to take time to appreciate the “little light” that’s around me but sometimes I don’t take the time to notice. A reminder to look for the “light” in novel or unfamiliar places. Places that may give me a better understanding of another perspective or opportunity to learn.

Pastor Tim wrote in the December 20th Tidings, about starting a new tradition of our own “Brenna Bonfire” on the Winter Solstice. Here he invites members to say good-bye to the “old,” make space for breaths of new beginnings, and Jesus’s birth. Many members contribute to our ministries through their planning, participation, or prayers. Our contribution to Toys for Tots will soon send-off shouts of glee just as the guests at the Dover Friendly Kitchen enjoy another homecooked meal from this ministry of many years! Faith Formation presents meaningful experiences for families and the Pop-Up Pantry is filled and busy. We look forward to our last Holden Prayer Service, an upcoming Christmas Eve service (recorded), and Christmas Eve Everywhere (six locations in the Seacoast)! Where will you find your next new light?

November 2020: “My Mother’s advent wreath...”

The end of November marks the beginning of advent, the Latin word for “coming” and the anticipation of Christ. As a child I remember my mother going to great efforts to make a “living” advent wreath. She would go into the woods to collect just the right evergreens and winterberries and then arrange them in a round tray that held water to keep them fresh. She then would go into town to find pink and purple candles. I remember the ritual of lighting the candle each evening with the wreath centered on our kitchen table. My four siblings and I eagerly watched as the circle of lit candles increase in number as Christmas approached. In my very young years, this was the strongest “decoration” of Christmas since our tree didn’t “appear” until Christmas morning.

I have always liked circles. I find them calming, continuous, strong, collaborative, and easy on the eyes. Right now, I am trying to keep this symbolism of circles in my mind. We are going through many transitions with uncertain outcomes. This may include things in our lives and communities. This can be unsettling and uncomfortable because I feel like I can’t really prepare, yet I also know I can’t add more things to my “worry list!” As I sit with my uncomfortable anticipation I try to find ways to connect to God’s guidance. This has led me to stretch and try new things to grow as an elementary teacher and as a Church Council member.

I continue to see Holy Trinity move through its own state of uncomfortable anticipation with success. Over these months, members have served through online and in-person church services, supported local neighbors in need, met the challenge of continuing to grow in faith, and continue to “come together” even though we are told to be safe and stay apart. We have also maintained strong offerings that allow us to support our Church and its ministries.

It is here that I find myself thinking about the importance of my Mother’s advent wreath and the power portrayed by the circle of candles lit together. As a Church, we have “lit many candles” over these past eight months. These candles are centering us to change in the ways that Christ asks us to live. I believe we will continue to do so with the leadership of Pastor Tim and the ongoing commitment and involvement of members who contribute in many ways.

September 2020: There simply is a lot going on in the world

There simply is a lot going on in the world - extreme weather, wildfires, racial protests, and related concerns of COVID. We individually offer prayers, donate to relief organizations, watch the news, and look out for others. And if you are like me, you reflect on how grateful we are to be living where we do. I enjoy the natural beauty of this area and the ways that many people live practically, moving through life with ingenuity and independence. Some people also say neighbors in New England exist by following a “live and let live” attitude - if you don’t bother me then I won’t bother you. This is one “identity” I haven’t seen at Holy Trinity given all the ways members do their best to live a Christ-like life.

Even though this pandemic has significantly challenged us in ways we couldn’t and can’t imagine, we have found avenues to support one other as well as those who happen to be outside our Church family. This coming Sunday we will be “running” for Calumet to assist their important programming and the Caring Connections ministry continues to soften peoples’ feelings of isolation and sadness. Many members have contributed their stories of faith, songs, music, readings, and prayers to our outdoor and Zoom services. The Thursday Morning Group keeps a watchful eye, hands-on approach for the property as members offer their time and expertise. Funds for Social Ministry surpassed previous levels of giving, and the Faith Formation gives creative opportunities to our youth and adults. Local neighbors with food insecurity are utilizing the Pop-up Pantry and our offerings maintain the church. With a list like this, I don’t think Holy Trinity practices the ways of “live and let live.” Instead Pastor leads us and challenges us to reflect, make decisions, and act in faith-based ways that extends love and contributes to the needs of others. Yes, it is hard to not worship together inside the Church AND it is good to remember and rejoice that Holy Trinity is coming together, growing in faith, and serving the Lord.

August 2020: When I think of the month of August I think about the colors of red and green.

When I think of the month of August I think about the colors of red and green. Sure, these colors are popular in December, but right now I see them outside as my tomatoes ripen surrounded with lush green leaves. My effort to grow vegetables started in the Spring and has continued through this hot summer - now begins my “payoff” harvest that will hopefully be long and diverse with different vegetables.

I also make the connection of experiencing a related “payoff” as I compare efforts people in the Seacoast have made regarding social distancing and mask wearing. I am grateful we haven’t had the dramatic increase of cases like other locations in the US and around the World. Having said this, I am not suggesting that we should change our current practices. I believe we need to carry on by following science informed restrictions in consistent and complete ways.

I believe the ideas and forethought that Pastor provided since mid-March to offer worship, ministry, and guidance has supported me through these bizarre, challenging, and isolating times. I think as a church, we can also acknowledge our “payoff.“ We successfully reached and exceeded our Social Ministry goal which has sent funds to local social supporting organizations and ministries which help people in the Seacoast area.

Other payoffs exist in how we are able to worship on Sunday via Zoom, outside (reserved seating) on Tuesday evenings, and quietly sitting alone in church (scheduled visit). We also benefit when we give service to the church through the chores completed outside and inside church, donation food for our Thursday pop-up pantry, offer your time to set-up the pop-up pantry, or serve on one of the church’s ministry teams. If you are curious about any of these “payoffs” please contact Pastor or Mark in the office to learn more!

I have been also watched a “payoff” given to us by two of our church members. Several weeks ago, a strong storm moved over the church and an electrical surge or strike caused damage to some of our electrical use systems. I was quickly reminded of how fortunate Holy Trinity is to have members who hold diverse talents and the willingness to invest their time and energy serving the church. Dave Smith and Dave Mercer, along with Pastor and Mark Donahue, investigated, researched, informed, collaborated, and still continue to follow-up with the process of repair. This “payoff” will be appreciated by us all when we are able to return safely together to worship in church.

I will continue to enjoy the “payoffs” from my garden and will look-out for more hidden pay-offs of appreciation and gratitude as we all transition to another season in the loving hands of God’s support and constant love.

July 2020: "Leave No Trace"

There is a common saying when in nature that people should “Leave No Trace.”

This means when you are in nature, especially in places that are fragile, you act in ways that don’t change the environment. You leave no evidence you were there. While good in principle, this is not really possible. No matter how hard we try to “leave only footprints and take only pictures,” our presence on the trail, on the water, along the road etc. still causes some degree of change to the environment.

As Pastor mentioned during last Sunday’s sermon (Matthew; 13:1-9, 19-23-the parable of the sower), “we live in a world where we are consuming things to help US out.” He also told us we can choose to live in a world where we can be “producers serving creation.” We all possess an amazing potential to love people and use things to promote more love, healing, growth, acceptance, etc. Jesus tells us in this parable that we are to be producers; people who produce love that is kind, non-judgmental, patient, and generous. How do we each produce these kinds of love and “live it” in our World? Some may offer their time, others their knowledge, while others their generosity – it’s wonderful that our list can go on. All these offerings are sorely needed today.

I think that “leaving no trace” is important if you are talking about litter in the woods, but we can also leave our traces of love everyday with the people we interact with as we do our best to produce Jesus’s love.

June 2020: Understanding the societal factors of racism.

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).”

“On June 27, 2019, the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted the following declaration as a statement addressed to people of African descent.“ This document entitled, “Explanation of the declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent,” serves as an apology to people of African descent for ECLA’s “complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy of racism in the United States and globally.”1 This apology goes on to state that the Lutheran church still needs to recognize the fact that slavery created and perpetuated racism through the falsehoods of racial inferiority and demonization of black people. For 246 years over 12 million people from Africa were enslaved, killed, tortured, and stolen from their native countries and put into slavery. “Although the practice of slavery was legal, it was morally and ethically wrong. The ELCA has defined racism as sin, but that acknowledgement requires examination of complicity in slavery.”1 This document goes further to explain historical figures and events related to Lutherans, slavery, and racism.

I feel part of this sin. I recognize my biased thoughts and the benefits I have been given and unearned, knowingly or unknowingly, because of my white skin. People of color, instead experience exclusion due to institutional (systemic) racism. Institutional racism is when resources, power, and opportunity are beneficial to white people at the exclusion to people of color (e.g., slavery, education, housing, healthcare.)2 The declaration from the ELCA continues with writing about the history of slavery and Lutheran’s involvement in it, the how and why today’s Lutherans are part of the apology, and where the Lutheran Church should go from here (link to declaration is below).

In Pastor Tim’s recent online services, he has been using the white board to help us understand about terms related to racism and how the gospel is pertinent as we move through these challenging times. In last Sunday’s gospel reading, Mathew 9:35-10:8, Jesus reminds us we are to go out, be with, and show compassion to the helpless and harassed. The helpless and harassed who may be:

- lonely and spiritually yearning while at home due to the pandemic. 
- working through unemployment and the many factors related to job insecurity or loss. 
- exhausted after a lifetime of policies, laws, and biases due to an imbalance of power.

The scripture, this ECLA document, and Pastor’s sermons and writings encourages and challenges us to reflect upon how people of color are significantly marginalized because of overt (intentional) and implicit (implied, unexpressed) characteristics. Pastor is offering for us to better understand the terms and societal factors of racism, reminding us to “go out and be the church” in whatever ways possible. Holy Trinity’s members have opportunities to practice and support anti-racism through the ministries of Seacoast Promise, Gather, 68 Hours of Hunger, Dover Friendly Kitchen, or Holy Trinity’s new Pop-Up Pantry. Jesus calls us to be compassionate and the ECLA calls us to engage in anti-racism and racial justice that promotes economic equity. We can all pray for each other as our growing understanding and knowledge creates stronger words and actions for all are one in Christ Jesus.

I understand some members might disagree with much of what we are learning. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Tim to discuss these ideas further. We can only learn through conversation.

1 Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent https://rb.gy/ndi655

2 Definition & Analysis of Institutional Racism https://rb.gy/mejbe4

April 2020: Our New Normal

How many times have you thought about the changes that have occurred since Bishop Hazelwood’s visit on March 1st? As I write this, I wonder how our “new normal” will continue to change our lives? I could start to guess, but the bottom line is it really doesn’t matter. We still need to learn, adjust, and carry on with determination, strength, and resilience alongside feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loss of what use to be. During this Liturgical season of Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’s agony, abandonment, and pain. But through his resurrection we are renewed with God’s grace to share compassion, faithful living, and love. We can also reflect upon how current Christians live during this crisis. We hear of others struggling and offer support. We are told to change and we accept and find goodness. We discover inequality and facilitate new choices. We feel despair and are comforted through prayer. We yearn for tradition or sameness and accept that God’s calming hand is a constant.

Since our church service at Holy Trinity on March 15, we have learned new ways of staying connected with our faith, friends, and the liturgy. This has been easier for some people than for others depending upon factors of health, technology, family and community support. The Caring Connections Committee has begun a Shepard’s program of phone calling our members. The Church Council will be discussing what additional opportunities can help us stay connected. Please continue to notify the Church’s office, Pastor Tim, or a Council member should you or someone you know have a need.

Some people would love to know when we will be “back to normal,” while others wonder how different the new normal will be? We can only imagine the many emotions Jesus felt leading up to his death and resurrection. I’m confident we will also move through these changing times, knowing that the strength of our faith, support of family and friends, commitment by our greater community, talents of Mark in the Church’s office, and Pastor Tim’s pastoral leadership will carry us to brighter days.

March 2020: Lenten Practices

Spring is in the air, Lenten practices are in our hearts, and there is a lot to think about during this time of reflection.

Spring is in the air, Lenten practices are in our hearts, and there is a lot to think about during this time of reflection. Family, work, pastimes, car, house repairs, relatives, health, bills, world events, and especially this year - politics. We can each add to this list and at times it might feel overwhelming. This is how I was feeling about a month ago and was hearing the same from other people. About at the same time I remembered a presentation I had gone to in the Fall. The speaker talked about how loneliness was her number one societal concern. Bishop Hazelwood said the same thing when he visited us on March 1st. I can see loneliness being a significant underlying concern given our busy schedules, screen time habits, to-do lists, thoughts of not doing “enough,” and the yearning to have more time in each day.

“Come together. Grow in faith. Serve the Lord.” We read it on the bulletin, sanctuary, and Church web site. Some of you who are reading this may have been members when these three sentences were selected. “Be kind and generous.” might be one sentence I would add based on the words and actions of Len Klein. I say this because of the special memories I have from the youth mission trips I went on to Northern Maine, New York City, Detroit, and Guatemala. Before leaving on each of these trips, Len and Jean would “slip us” a donation for the youth to use for a special treat – ice cream usually hit the spot! The amazing support of church members, and the kindness and generosity of Len and Jean was very much appreciated after a hard day of physical work, discussions, and challenging experiences. Len and Jean’s gestures are a small reflection of the uncountable acts they and so many other members of Holy Trinity continue to give that may help to soften loneliness. We all feel God’s love and a little less loneliness when kindness and generosity are shared and experienced.