We’re looking for people whose gifts will help us live into our future.

I’m excited to see Western in-person once again this month! Many thanks to all of you who helped make this possible through your gift towards hybrid worship.

I write to share sad news, but with hope attached.

Our staff colleague and our church Building and Facilities Manager Sterling Thomas contacted me from Inova Fairfax on Tuesday morning. In the process of a planned medical procedure, he had suffered a partial stroke, limiting movement in his left leg, arm and hand. As you can imagine, it was a hard conversation. I assured him that his health and recovery were his number one work priority and that we as a church want to do all we can to support him. When I asked if I could share his news, he gave a straightforward yes, saying “this isn’t going away soon.”

Those of you who know Sterling also know his strength and spirit. Even when he’s sitting still, his mind and energy are going. It turns out this week is no different! He soon began work with a physical therapist and is already seeing some recovery in the use of his left hand. As of my writing this, he plans to be moved to a physical rehabilitation center tomorrow (Friday) where he will continue to work towards recovery for at least two weeks. He may be doing out-patient therapy for a few weeks thereafter.

“And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace…”

The words of the hymn ring in my mind, long after I previewed the hymn video we’ll use as we sing together in worship this Sunday.

I hope you’ll join our on-line community as we celebrate our connection with More Light Presbyterians. We’ll hear a sermon from Rev. Annanda Barclay, former co-chair of the board of MLP, who currently pastors Mission Bay Community Church in San Francisco.

“Lift ev’ry voice and sing…” I imagine heavenly choirs singing as Juneteenth became a federal holiday yesterday, commemorating June 19, 1865, when newly liberated Black people in Galveston, TX received federal proclamation of their freedom.

The proclamation came just before a weekend in our family that was already overbooked. We’re welcoming family to celebrate Ginny’s promotion from middle school, Will’s graduation from high school, Father’s Day, my own birthday-that-rhymes-with-nifty. It’s all exciting, but I had forgotten how crazy a calendar can get when you’re not worried about a pandemic.