A Word from Laura: Being Fed

As much as I love being a pastor, sometimes I want Tom Sietsema’s job.  Last Sunday at Western was not one of those times – I don’t know how food critics try so many dishes and still fits in their clothes.

If you did not get to taste newcomer Susan Park’s sweet potato noodles lightly stir-fried with beef and vegetables or Carol Petrie’s Irish soda bread with clotted cream or Aida Makdisi-Armaly’s lemon cake, you missed out, and we missed you!  Many thanks to all who shared their taste of home, who made sure things were set up and cleaned up, and who participated around the tables after our World Communion service.  Further gratitude goes to all who draped our chancel, supplied us with many kinds of bread, and led songs in languages not your own.  It was a great Sunday.

The ideas you shared as we gathered continue to “feed” our leaders’ and my thinking and planning as we focus on engaging our faith through anti-racism and inter-cultural work, social justice, spiritual growth, and intergenerational events.

I hope you’ll all look for more upcoming opportunities to feed and be fed – presbytery allyship training, the racial wealth gap simulation, a new member group.  And this summer’s survey confirmed that most of us Westerners are here because a friend or family member invited us to be part; bring a friend when you come!

This Sunday, we’ll be fed by scriptures that talk of exile, remembering those in exile or who have been exiled, and the ways God works through all kinds of exile.

See you soon,
Laura