In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending.
Many of us are familiar with the warning to be careful when handling an injured animal, that even a beloved family pet can snap or bite when in pain. I had a painful cavity-drilling experience years ago and still flinch when my (new, VERY gentle) dentist turns on her drill. Pain can make us protective, mistrustful even of a helping hand. This goes for emotional pain as well as physical. Learning to trust again, and to rebuild the bonds of community after betrayal, takes incredible courage. Paul’s 2nd letter to the church in Corinth addresses this very hurt with a gentle reminder that connection, community itself can often be the healing balm that’s needed.
This Sunday, we welcome DJ Henson, to share their story of learning to rebuild trust in oneself, in community, even while healing from past hurts and betrayals. We’ll also welcome back guest musician Megan Henderson to lead our music in worship, and our retired-clergy-members Paul and Cathy Q will join DJ and our liturgists to help lead worship on this nearly-staffless-Sunday (Jordan and Violet will be valiantly holding down the fort!) while Kent and Susan enjoy some last bits of Summer vacation and I officiate an out of town wedding.
Join us on Sunday at 10am in Willett Hall and online to pray, worship, and be brave together.
In faith,
Amy
P.S And remember, the following Sunday, September 7th, worship starts at 11am, and our Children’s Choir (9am), Church School (9:45am), and Bible Study (10am) all kick off as well. We’ll celebrate the beginning of a new program year with a potluck picnic after worship on the front lawn.
How We Learn To Be Brave series
June 29: Adam S. — taking a leap of faith with vocational change
July 6: Amy Norton-Benfield — loving bravely
July 13: Miriam C. — defending others
July 20: Wendy W. — helping immigrants
July 27: Koinonia M-P — standing in our power
August 3: Bob C. and Deb S. — facing dementia
August 10: Marwan H. — resilient bravery, being Muslim
August 17: Nathan J-D. — the bravery to be whole
August 24: Peter R. — rescuing a stranger, telling the story
August 31: DJ H. — finding bravery in trusting again
image credit: “God Bless this Messy Girl” by Caitlin Connolly
