Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Amy
December 29, 2023
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.The Work of Christmas, by Howard Thurman
I had to laugh as I opened the door to my office for the first time this week after our Christmas Eve service. Our Christmas pageant whale, flowers, camel, and piles of costumes greeted me, along with paperwhite bulbs from our Longest Night service, lantern-makings from our children’s community art evening, printed packets of Christmas carols, and so much more. It was a beautiful, if disheveled, reminder of so many moments of Advent joy, peace, and love. The bustle, preparations, and sparkle of the days leading us to Christmas morning can sometimes feel a bit like a whirlwind – a beautiful swirling snow globe of gatherings, tasks, care, and emotions.
As the swirl settles, I invite you this week to take a breath, rest, and tend to your spirit. Where are you finding gratitude and peace now that Christmas day is over? Where are you still seeing God’s light shining? How is the true light and gift of Christmas leading you to new life this season? As we begin to pack away Christmas decorations and gifts, let us not inadvertently pack away what’s truly most important, the hope and meaning of it all: God’s love in Jesus being birthed again in us and through us into our world. The work of Christmas in and through us, as Howard Thurman says, is only just beginning. May you feel Christ’s love, light, hope, and peace being born and growing in you anew, as we begin the good work of this new year together.
With Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Amy
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
