Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Megan
November 24, 2023
“You seed light into righteous ones, joy into the heart of the virtuous.”
Psalm 97:11
I love the image of God seeding light and joy into the hearts of Her people that this Psalm offers us; it seems to me to be a kind of extension of the metaphor in last Sunday’s scripture describing God as the grape-growing farmer. God isn’t just putting one kind of fruit into the world; She’s planting lots of good things to nourish Her people!
This Psalm also brings to my mind how we are partners with God in bringing goodness into the world. If God seeds light and joy, then we are the ones who tend the soil so that those seeds might grow. Righteousness and virtue, the Psalm tells us, helps those seeds grow. What else might help the seeds of light and joy grow in us? Faith, grace, love, forgiveness, and, appropriate for this week, gratitude, all come to mind for me.
Our theme for Advent this year comes from the very beginning of John’s Gospel: “Light shines in the darkness.” Like a little candle casting its light out into the world, like a seed pushing forth a sprout, the coming of Christ’s presence in the world and in our lives brings forth goodness. We can partner with God in bringing forth that goodness. Let’s join together in tending the seeds of light and joy that are so needed in this world.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Our Pastors
Pastor Amy
July 19, 2024 On Thursday, July 18, travelers and members of UCW gathered to share learnings, photos, and stories from our recent service trip to Puerto Rico. The trip at the end of June was transformative for the 20 members (mostly high school and college youth) who travelled. Learn More - From Our Pastors – July 19, 2024Pastor Megan
July 5, 2024 Beloved, have you gotten and decorated a Flat Jesus yet? Be sure to take part in this fun and creative way of staying in touch with one another throughout the summer, and of sharing with one another as the new church year begins in September. Learn More - From Our Pastors – June 28 2024Pastor Megan
June 28, 2024 I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. Learn More - From Our Pastors: Pastor Amy – May 17Pastor Amy
May 17, 2024 What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024 From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024 We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary. We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024 This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024 This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More
