Goodness Weekly 3.21.22
“There’s room in the mighty river of peace to feel everything. Feel what you need to. And breathe.” ― Morgan Harper Nichols Peace is a Practice
A message from Jess
This week a family friend sent a video from a wedding in 2017, taken two weeks after we were told that our daughter, Shiloh, who we were fostering-to-adopt at the time, would be moved to a new home by the end of the month.
Watching the video I felt the tender place in my heart open up all over again—the fear, grief, love, and joy that was held in that small moment of Nathan and I dancing with Shiloh to Christina Perri’s song A Thousand Years.
I am continually reminded of the complex reality of being human. I read this week that the most important type of prayer is the honest one. So let’s start there this week—let’s open ourselves to God with all the complexity of our human heart.
May we allow God to pick up each beautiful, painful piece and fashion us together into something a little more whole than before.
What's Good This Week
What’s good? It’s the question we ask around the dinner table, the one we ask when a friend is struggling, the one that is harder to find an answer to on some days than others.
This week we invite you to ask that question every day. Maybe you can find a goodness partner—someone who you share something good with each day.
Simply reply to this email with what’s good in your week and we can share in next week’s newsletter.
Good Neighbors
If you are able to meet any of these needs please send us a note at: hello@chariscollective.org
Ongoing needs from Afghan families:
Swing for baby (2)
Charis Park Update!
We had exciting action at the parking lot last week! Contractors were here to take an initial survey of the property for our landscape architects. We should have some preliminary sketches of the park plans very soon. We’re also looking forward to our first Charis Park fundraiser this Saturday–the Charis Neighborhood Yard Sale!
Yard Sale
Last Chance! We’re accepting donations of gently used household items until Wednesday. We’re also still seeking volunteers for the event, either to help with setup or to be a seller. To drop off donations or to volunteer for the event, follow this link to learn more and sign up!
Click HERE to learn more and sign up!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, March 26, 8am-2pm We're hosting a Neighborhood Yard sale! Donations of gently used household items are currently being accepted for the sale. Proceeds will support the Charis Park project. More details at chariscollective.org/yardsale
Sunday, March 27th, 4:30pm Liturgy & Worship in the Chapel
Sunday, April 3rd, 4:30pm Supper Church in the courtyard
Morning:
Giver of good gifts, the seasons are changing
and I can feel myself changing too
I am not the person I was two years ago
when I thought the pandemic was “out there”
So much has changed-help me to find the good
To seek it out, to be it, to know that you’ve given me this day
To start again, like your creation
You are making all things new
Amen
Evening:
Thank you for this day
and the opportunities to learn and grow in it
Help me to hold it tenderly tonight
The moments of goodness
The moments of learning
The moments where I wasn’t my best
I hold it all to you in honest prayer
I give it over to you, the One I trust
and I rest safe in your love,
knowing there is nothing I could do to earn or lose it
Amen
