From Our Pastors

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman

Pastor Megan
January 5, 2023

Leila and I scooted off to Mexico City on Christmas Day for our friends’ wedding. Before the trip, I was feeling a touch grouchy: Christmas Eve worship was so beautiful and joyful, and then I was going to spend the rest of my Christmas not celebrating but sitting on planes and waiting in airports. I was feeling the holiday let-down in the middle of the holiday itself. Then, we arrived in Mexico — and Christmas had only just begun! Christians in Mexico celebrate from Christmas Eve all the way through to Epiphany on January 6th. Everywhere we looked there were poinsettias planted right in the ground, life-sized nativity scenes, and even Santa Claus enjoying some chicharrones in the market. People were vacationing, wishing one another felices fiestas, visiting churches, and enjoying special treats.

We may not be able to hold on to the wonder and awe of Christmas every day of the year. But the liturgical calendar invites us to keep things slow and awe-filled just a little bit longer. Like the Holy Family in those first few weeks of newborn wonder, like the shepherds hearing angels and wise ones seeing a star, we are called to recognize how our lives and our world have changed with God’s love born into it anew. Even as the world moves on from Christmas, may we take a breath this weekend, and stay close to our joy and awe.

Peace,
Megan

Past Posts

  • From Our Pastors
    Pastor Megan
    Octoberr 18, 2024
    Recent Celebrations
    Did you miss the recent celebrations at church? Here are some photos from our new sign celebration and the Blessing of the Animals! It has been a fall of connecting – with one another, the wider community, and God’s creation (including beloved pets like Barky, Felix, Jack, Rosey, and Lucy!). Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: October 11, 2024
    Pastor Megan
    Octoberr 11, 2024
    So much in the world at large and within our own community and families feels like it is in upheaval, right now. War, storms, the coming election, health challenges, grief, transitions, and more make it feel as though the ground is shifting for so many of us. I was reminded in a conversation this week of the framework offered by Joanna Macy in The Work that Reconnects. In it, she explains that how we choose to tell the story – of the world and society at large, but also of our lives – affects how we feel and how we act. Learn More
  • Hurricane Relief
    As I’m sure many of you have been, I have been devastated to see the pictures and reports coming out of communities in the Southeast that have been affected by Hurricane Helene, and wanting to find ways to help. One of the blessings of being affiliated with our two denominational partners is that our impact to help when disasters like this occur can be magnified by the existing systems of support that the denominations have in place. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: September 13, 2024
    Pastor Amy
    September 13, 2024
    It was a joy and comfort to be together again as we kicked off the new church year last weekend.  Something special happens when we worship and are fed together at the communion table; when we hug, cry, and laugh together; when we celebrate together in the sunshine.  Learn More
  • From our Pastor: July 19, 2024
    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, 2024
    Pastor 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 2024
    Pastor 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 17
    Pastor 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