Goodness Weekly 12.12.22
“I have a lot of people in my life, and I think there's something key: the thing that leads to intimacy and relationship and connection is tenderness.”
—Father Greg Boyle
Message from Jess:
YOU don’t talk for a whole week?
This is a common response I hear from people when I reveal that I visit a silent retreat center every year. I’ve been doing this practice for seven of the last nine years of ministry and it is a critical part of my rhythm of life.
During sabbatical, I visited my favorite retreat center just south of Portland Maine, which was unlike any other silent retreat I’ve experienced.
I would say typically that during my silence I am working through something with God, coming to a new understanding of who God has created me to be, or exploring some new idea or thought for the church or the future.
This year I was held in a remarkable tenderness that was warm and nurturing and comforting. I experienced God as both a mothering and shepherding presence, and there was no major revelation or big shift in thought but only the joy of relishing in my nestled spot under God’s wing—safe and sound.
This presence came in the gentle kindness and hospitality of the sisters who care for the retreatants, the sound of the ocean waves rocking me to sleep at night, a smell that reminded me of my grandmother’s perfume, a part of the beach that brought to mind my favorite childhood memory…there was no pressure to accomplish or resolve anything but only to be. And as we talked about in our service on Sunday—God was present in the small details and in ways that were so deeply personal and specific to me, reminding me that I can rest and be still and know that God is God.
This nurturing tenderness struck me as a new understanding of God’s character. It moved me to consider how I live in the world and how I can practice tenderness toward myself and the people around me.
I wonder what it looks like to embrace the tenderness of God as we relate to other people and what it would look like to create a more tender place of welcome to the people around us?
When I think about the coming Christ child of Advent, how could tenderness not be considered? God came and was cared for, nurtured and held by a mother and by a community.
Join me this week in welcoming and practicing tenderness–notice how your days are different when you consider this perspective.
May we be a people who can welcome God through love and nurturing of all people made in God’s image. This is incarnational love.
What’s Good:
There was so much goodness at our makers market and family day event this past Saturday! The vendors were all people we are personally connected with, including friends, neighbors, and members of the church, which made it feel extra special–we have so much creativity in our community. A BIG thank you to all the staff and volunteers for helping to make the event happen!
Shout out to…
Nathan and Luca for helping with setup!
Teresa for coming in on a Saturday to prep for multiple events!
Kelly and Gregg for letting us borrow your tent and speaker!
Joann for making cookies!
Kyle and Hunter for moving tables and chairs!
Upcoming Events:
Click HERE to sign up!
Looking to volunteer to make Parents Night Out a success? Click HERE!
Wednesdays at 7:30pm Youth Group at The Stirmans
Friday, December 16th, 6pm - 9pm Parents Night Out
Sunday, December 18th, 4:30pm Chapel Worship & Liturgy
Sunday, December 18th, 5:30pm Christmas Caroling *immediately following worship
Saturday, December 24th, 4pm Christmas Eve Service
Morning:
In the sacred space of Advent time
I wait for you Lord, to move freely in me
to move me to goodness in your world,
to move me to let go of all that keeps me
from knowing you and loving your people
As I enter into today, I breathe in your love
and presence and breathe out fear
In Jesus name, amen.
Evening:
Your love, God, it moves me
and at the end of my day
my weary heart prepares
to be moved into rest in you
Help me to recount all of the ways
you were present today,
and all of the ways I miss your presence.
Give me the strength to start again tomorrow
Amen.
