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
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 - 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 - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024 Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024 Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More
