From Our Pastors – October 6

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
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    April 18, 2025
    Throughout Lent, we have been Making Space: for compassion, humility, discernment, generosity, and prayer. As we move from yesterday evening’s Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service, sharing around the table and recognizing the coming darkness, to Sunday morning’s joyful worship, we are given one last, sacred opportunity to reflect in this year’s Lenten season. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: April 11, 2025
    Rev. Amy Clark Feldman
    April 11, 2025
    This coming Sunday begins our walk through Holy Week.  The story of this week is at the very core of our faith.  We’ll travel with Jesus to confront the powers of this world that still cause so much suffering –  injustice, hubris, abuse of power, scarcity, violence, and fear.  Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: April 4, 2025
    Rev. Amy Clark Feldman
    April 4, 2025
    This Sunday is our final Sunday before Palm Sunday and Holy Week.  There is one week left before Jesus, with boldness and intention, arrives in Jerusalem to take a stand against forces of corruption, oppression, violence, fear, and hate.  Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 28, 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    March 28, 2025
    We’re drawing to the close of our Stewardship season for this year, and we’ll mark Stewardship Sunday in worship this week with a testimony and a focus in scripture and sermon on generosity. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 21 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    March 21, 2025
    I gave up social media for Lent this year. I’ve tried it in past years, and it never quite stuck. I always found reasons to log back in: an urgent question for a group of colleagues, a video of Rosey that was too good not to share, or even just an accidental slip. It’s sticking this year, though. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 14, 2025
    Amy Clark Feldman
    March 14, 2025
    We are almost beginning the second week of our Lenten journey, walking in the wilderness together.  It is always amazing to me how the liturgical seasons map onto the events and seasons in our world and lives.  What wisdom and support we have in these deep traditions of our faith!  This year it does indeed feel like Lenten wilderness times – each day with new revelations, challenges, news, and worries. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 7, 2025
    Megan Berkowitz
    March 7, 2025
    It was a gift to pray with so many of you throughout the day on Ash Wednesday and at our ecumenical evening service. I appreciated how thoughtful and open everyone I spoke with was about the intentions they were setting for Lent. Learn More