Look for the presence of God in your life ...

Dear friends and members of Resurrection,

What a year it has been.  As we prepare to welcome in 2021, we are saying good-bye to the most unusual year any of us have lived through.  Who could have imagined what would occur when we stood on the brink of 2020 one year ago?

One of the messages I have heard from many of you throughout this year is to appreciate the people in your lives and the opportunities before you while you have them, because there are no guarantees.  It is sound advice.  As many of us have learned, life is a precarious, precious gift.

My prayers are with those of you whose loved ones have died this past year, whether from Covid-19 or any other causes.  My prayers are also with those of you whose lives have altered drastically during this year due to health issues, unemployment or isolation.  2020 was a hard year.

Yet, in the midst of the difficulties, there has been true beauty.  The generosity of each one of you and of this congregation has been amazing.  I, like many of you, wondered how our congregation could survive financially and how we could continue to do ministry together.  The weeks apart dragged on into months—what would that mean for the mission of RLC?

We continued to reach out to one another and to the larger community through worship, nurture and outreach.  We continued to live out our mission.  The countless acts of kindness that you have done for others during these months has been inspiring.  I have found great joy in sharing some of those during the weekly “offering” at worship.

Where we have become aware of a need, we have pulled together to address that need, whether it was chrome books for our partners at Journeys School, meals for the beloved Marlins, masks for care facilities, meals for those served by Divine Intervention, baking supplies for the New Berlin Food Pantry—the list is endless—we pulled together and made a difference.

And financially, we have continued to support RLC and our Outreach partners.  We are finishing 2020 in a strong financial position and with abundant gifts gathered on “Harvest Sunday” to give away to our neighbors around the community, city and world.  Tidings of wonder and joy!

My hope as we move into 2021 is that we do not grow weary of the challenges before us, but hear the call of God to continue to love one another as we are able.  I am confident that when we stand on the brink of 2022 in one year, we will do so arm in arm—able to physically be together again, grateful to God's Holy Spirit for bringing us through these days of physical separation.

Until then, do what you are able to express your love and gratitude to one another.  Make phone calls, send notes, pray for each other.  Join together in worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00a.m. through our live streaming service.  Look for the presence of God in your life each day.

As many of you know, my last name, ubuntu, means “I am because we are.”  I have never been so certain of the truth of this statement.  Or so grateful that you are part of my “we”.

With love,
Pastor Mary