02/06/2026
From DS Heather:
“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike. May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion. Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.” - John Wesley in his sermon “Catholic Spirit”
Dear CT District,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus! I pray that you are warm and safe in these winter days. As resurrection people, we believe that the sun and warmth of spring will arrive…someday!
I recently purchased a bird feeder for the deck at home. I love watching the variety of creatures that come to the feeder – blue jays, chickadees, cardinals, doves, woodpeckers, finches and squirrels. Sometimes they are all there feasting at one time. Sometimes the larger birds push out the smaller birds. Sometimes the smaller birds startle the larger ones. Often the squirrels run in to chase everyone else away in their attempts to foil the “squirrel-proof” feeder. But despite these minor “disputes” all these creatures feed from the same “table.”
This Sunday, you might have heard that there is a big American football game. Maybe you’ll watch the game for the action on the field, the musical performances or the ads or not at all. Maybe you’ll root for the Patriots, the Seahawks, Bad Bunny, Green Day or Brandi Carlile. Maybe you’ll eat wings or pizza or something healthier. In all these competing factors, I pray that you will contribute to the Souper Bowl challenges to collect food for local pantries. Hungry neighbors are present in all our communities, and we have an abundance to share. (See the NYAC Connecticut page for Bishop Bickerton’s challenge to the New Hope Episcopal Area.)
Beyond backyard birdfeeders and professional sports, the heaviness of the world weighs on our hearts and minds. People are living in fear, risking their lives and livelihood and uncertain about tomorrow. There is an atmosphere of hatred and vitriol that puts everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable, on edge. We begin Black History Month with even more urgency to remember the stories of courageous men and women who fought and continue to fight for freedom and equality. We all have different political and theological opinions. We all have different reactions and responses. But as followers of Christ, we are all called to respect the sacred worth of others. And we, like Jesus did, are called to speak truth to power – in our protesting, our planning, our preaching and/or our praying. We all have a role to play as representatives of Christ and citizens of the world. What are you being called to do?
This weekend, enjoy the freshly fallen snow, the big game (or not), and the gathering of your church community. May the words of John Wesley echo in your heart and mind. We may not think alike, but for the beloved community of God’s kin-dom to be realized, we must love alike. We must, at all times, remember the words of Jesus, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Peace,
DS Heather
*Beginning the week of February 8, the CT District will be sending out a weekly "Five Things to Know" news update. If you or your church has something to share for the good of the CT District, please email [email protected].*
