Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Megan
October 6, 2023
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you,
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.”
Job 12:7-8
Dear church,
When Leila and I first decided to adopt a rabbit, my first-ever pet, I had visions of what it would be like. Most rabbits don’t like to be handled, but Rosey was only 5 weeks old when we met. Surely he’d warm up to it! Plus, he’s a Flemish Giant, a breed known for their low-key, friendly temperaments.
Ha. Rosey has been FEISTY from the day we brought him home. He let us weigh him in a mixing bowl on the kitchen scale exactly once (1lb 4oz) before deciding that he preferred to be on the ground, thanks, and communicating that preference with his claws. He runs when he sees us coming with the carrier, the brush, the vacuum, and even the lint-roller.
But…if we sit on the floor near him, he comes up to us immediately. He headbutts us, demanding attention, and lays fully stretched out so we can pet his head, back, belly, tail, and ears. He jumps for joy when we get up in the mornings, and he runs to greet me when I get home. He and I share an apple, banana, or some blueberries most mornings. When we learned to put away some of our expectations in favor of the needs he was communicating, all three of us got along better.
The scripture for Bible study and worship this week has to do with right relationship: honoring the needs of ourselves, of our neighbors, and of God at the core of building connections. The scriptures are full of such lessons. Sometimes, though, we just need to learn a different way, and more-than-human creatures can teach us.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Our Pastors: November 10, 2023
Pastor Megan
November 10, 2023 One of our beloved saints, Janet Holly, who died just over a year ago, is continuing to take care of this church, even after she has gone to be with God. Learn More - From Our Pastors: October 27, 2023
Pastor Megan
October 29, 2023 I have found myself officiating at a lot of friends’ weddings in the last few years (as many young clergy do), and somehow, they are all interfaith, intercultural, or otherwise marriages between two people with differing backgrounds, beliefs, and practices. Learn More - From Our Pastors – October 20
Pastor Megan
October 20, 2023 Many of you are familiar with this prayer, though perhaps not its source in the Psalms. I and many other pastors offer it at the start of each sermon, praying that what we share might not be for our own glory but pleasing to our God whom we serve, and useful for those gathered. Learn More - From Our Pastors – October 13Pastor Amy
October 13, 2023 Beloved, I had another reflection planned for today, but it has been hard for me, as I’m sure it has been for you, to turn my heart and mind away from the heartbreak of the war in Israel and Palestine. My prayers have been especially with my Jewish family, Learn More - From Our Pastors – October 6
Pastor Megan
October 6, 2023 When Leila and I first decided to adopt a rabbit, my first-ever pet, I had visions of what it would be like. Most rabbits don’t like to be handled, but Rosey was only 5 weeks old when we met. Surely he’d warm up to it! Learn More - From Our Pastors – September 29
Pastor Megan
September 29, 2023 The first Sunday in October is celebrated as World Communion Sunday all throughout the world. We celebrate the ties that bind us to one another, as Christians, even in the face of our many differences. When we do so, we live into the prayer Jesus offered for his disciples and for those of us who would learn from them, throughout the many generations: “that they may all be one.” Learn More - From Our Pastors – September 22
Pastor Megan
September 22, 2023 As this hits your inboxes, I am flying back from nearly a week in Memphis at the United Church of Christ’s Next Generation Leadership Initiative, or NGLI. I have been blessed to learn alongside a cohort of 13 other ministers in their 20s and 30s this week. Learn More