09/11/2026
Dearest Community,
I have had a couple of conversations regarding self-care this week. Not the self-care as advertised on social media by influencers of one type or another, rather the self-care activities that allow us to stay engaged in ministry over the long term. (These conversations were with ministerial colleagues, but I think they also carry over into all sorts of activities and careers.)
I remain convinced that “faith formation” fits in here, too. Just as swimming, weight-lifting, bicycling and walking all help our physical bodies, so does faith formation help with souls (and minds). We never stop growing in our faith or our spiritual practices. The Divine is always at work around us, asking us to cooperate and create something new. Our faith (and the formation thereof) helps us to respond to events in the world. Not only in how we interpret what is happening, but especially how we respond.
With the start of the academic year, our Faith Formation Ministry Team has been working to develop some opportunities for us. They are looking at holding one 9-week class to start. Some other options might develop as we continue. What would be helpful is to find what times are the most conducive to meet. If you’d be willing to fill out the survey, that would be helpful. (There is a survey link below). Thank you.
May our faith journeys be that: journeys that invite us further into wonder and divine grace at how much we and the world around us are cherished and loved.
Blessings, Pastor Joel
