So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness….The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Exodus 13:18, 21

February
The World warns us:  It’s not just those people over there; COVID-19 endangers us all.
Ash Wednesday reminds us: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Each and all are mortal, and only alive through God’s grace.

March
The World implores us: Shelter in place, hunker down, protect your nearest and dearest.
Lent calls us: On your journey, journey with Jesus towards Calvary.

April
The World says: Wait, it’s not all better yet? There’s hope, but nothing’s back to normal.
Easter Says: Seek a new normal, where after discord and death there may be not only heaven but a renewed earth.

May 
The World cries in pain: Outrage for justice pulls us from our shelters to re engage with the world’s needs.
Pentecost Says: The spirit crashes into our huddles, setting us aflame, raising our voices for our neighbor.

June
The World weeps with us:  and sends us into the streets,
The risen Christ beckons us: to proclaim God’s message of love, and to call and enable  for justice for all.

What next?
We enter the longest season of the church year, a time to find our new reality, to confess our sin and to join the struggle to share God’s grace in each confusing new setting.

Prayer:  Gracious God, enliven us to follow you in trust and fill us with hope  in spite of  our fears. Amen.

Deaconess Hilary Hefferlin, Eugene, Oregon