A Word from Laura: Thank you

Western Friends,

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.”

-Meister Eckhart, German theologian, (1260-1328)

At the end of his earthly life with his disciples, Jesus prayed to God for them and made sure that they could hear. In that spirit – and hopefully the Spirit – I share my prayers of thanksgiving for you, Western Church Family, before this final Sunday.

Holy One, in this leave-taking from Western, I say “thank you” for so much. Thank you, God, for Western, this community of faith grounded in you, based at 24th and G Streets; in this church you have shown me and others the power of your love and justice. In this week of giving thanks, may they know that I give thanks for them.

Thank you for the members and leaders, for staff throughout the years who have all served you in faith; in them you have shown me love and grace and the power of what you can accomplish through faithful worship and service, stewardship and hospitality, in and out of Sundays. May they continue to grow in love and trust that you have blessed them with all they need to be your people.

Thank you for the Spirit’s connection in sacred moments and life transitions – celebrations and heartbreaks, weddings and funerals, baptisms and communions, laughter and tears; may we remember them as signs of your grace and love.

Thank you also for the difficult times – the challenges that have come our way, any disagreements or even the pain we may have inadvertently caused; may we look back on all of it as opportunities to recognize our shared humanity or to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Thank you simply for this chance to be human together, to see and to share the face of Christ on our human journeys, to experience the power of a community gathered to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Even as my own journey takes a new turn, may Western remain faithful in theirs, and may they know that my love abides. May they abide in your love, even as you abide in them,

Laura