Good morning, dear church!
It is chilly in the neighborhood! The night time temperatures are getting perilously close to freezing, and the young plants in my little greenhouse appreciate every bit of flimsy cover they are getting from their plastic surroundings. I have grown plants from seed for years, especially my beloved tomatoes. That usually meant that the window sills around Easter were filled with my growing projects, which did not always sit well with my wife. So, she gave me a present for Christmas one year, a tiny little greenhouse, and the hint came in the gift wrapping: from now on, Santa Julia said, no more plants on the window sills! You know those kinds of Christmas gifts? So, I have a bunch of plants out there in the greenhouse at a sunny spot in the yard and they are doing well, not growing too fast, but steady. They wouldn’t mind warmer temperatures though.
I have talked about adult faith in the last two days, and I frankly think we can learn a lot about growing faith by growing plants. Sometimes I have seen that plants won’t do so well if they grow too fast initially, but are not strong enough at the bottom and in their root system. Sometimes, if they are not gradually exposed to the elements but are kept too long in the shelter of the home, artificially pampered, they have a rough time transitioning to the changing temperatures and nasty winds out there. If you suddenly take young tomato plants out on a warm day in May and they are blasted by the sun, they may not make it through the day. Faith is about building root systems. It’s not a race to become tall quickly and easily. Adult faith is a lot about adapting to adversity and developing the roots to sustain life and joy during difficult times. In fact, scripture uses that same metaphor twice, in Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17 – comparing those who believe to a tree that is standing near a stream, drawing life from the source of water deep down, thriving, blooming and surviving even long draughts. “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
This is a time for Christians everywhere to develop stronger roots – as we face adversity, as many of us are sheltered in place. I hope and pray that we take advantage of it. The St. Peter’s Devotional Book project is one that is meant to encourage deeper contemplation of scripture, giving us access to the “water of life,” a spiritual metaphor that Jesus repeatedly uses in the Gospel of John, especially in John 4. I have eleven volunteers so far and a few of them told me, “I’m not sure I can do this, but I will give it a try,” which I deeply appreciate. I envision a Devotional Book with different voices and different takes on scripture verses. It will only be lightly edited because I think we can all benefit from the different perspectives that our people bring to God’s table. About a week from now I will send out the instructions to my volunteers and this three-year project will be off and running. By 2023 we will have a St. Peter’s Devotional Book with 365 devotions, one for every day of the year. I am still looking for a few more volunteers, especially (but not exclusively!) from younger adults. As always, those who participate will benefit most.
We have a bunch of video conference meetings this week, including a council meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. For tomorrow (Thursday), I will have to move up our Bible Study to 11:00 a.m. I hope that is not a problem. It’s because I have another meeting at noon with our friends from the Interfaith group, the Wissahickon Faith Community. The material for the Bible study is attached and the meeting will take place either via zoom or teleconference. I will give out both options tomorrow morning. If the zoom gives us problems again, we will use the teleconference option. Please also remember today’s Wednesday noon practice of joining Christians everywhere in praying the Lord’s prayer, an initiative by Pope Francis.
Also, don’t forget, this Friday we will resume our food drive for Manna on Main Street, as always between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Just place your food donations on Lisa’s truck!
For today, I would like to ask your prayers for our church member and dear friend Nancy Simons. When I think about people growing from adversity (see above), she comes to mind immediately. Last year in October we buried her husband, Bruce Simons Sr. It was the final point of an arduous journey for him and her because Bruce Sr. developed mental illness in early middle age and had been institutionalized for many years. Nancy dealt with all of that while raising two boys and working a full-time job as an Elementary School Teacher in the Wissahickon School District. She joined our church shortly before retiring and found a spiritual home here. The adversity has not stopped there, but she has learned to cope and grow from it. In fact, she is one of our Stephen Ministers, helping others to cope and grow during life’s most difficult times. I know that Nancy still has her proverbial plate “full,” and today we will pray for her. She usually comes across as sunny, cheery and without a care, but make no mistake, she has seen life’s dark shadows!
Today is the birthday of Dave R. Many blessings on your tax day birthday, Dave!
Be blessed and be safe and stay warm!
Pastor Andreas Wagner
