Dear Beloved Community,
Amidst all the flurry of Black Friday emails already creeping into my inbox was one this week from author and gatherer, Priya Parker. Her book, The Art of Gathering, was a pivotal read for me in her encouragement to think carefully, courageously, and creatively about how we gather. In this week’s Thanksgiving-centered email, she offers “40 questions to ask instead of ‘what are you grateful for this year?’”
The first that caught my eye? “What was your harvest this year?”
My mind went to the gifts after seasons of pruning, plucking, planting, and growing, the fruits to enjoy and share. I thought of my children, their new curiosities revealing new shades of personality and interest each day. I thought of Josh and his brave work of entrepreneurship and all it has taught him this year. I thought of my friends and family, all the goodness they bring to their communities, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and homes.
But then my heart went to you, to us, to the beloved community that we’re co-creating together with God. Oh how plentiful is our shared harvest! Daily care for church friends in visits, calls, and notes. Teaching such memorable Bible stories in children’s Sunday School that they become the talk of the afternoon! Community partnerships cropping up with meaning and hope, and more groups and neighbors in our building than we’ve seen in awhile. Youth group fellowship unfolding in trips, retreats, volunteer time, and ordinary gatherings that provide belonging and connection for our teenagers. 20- and 30-somethings finding connection in the transitional and full seasons of life. Sunday School classes whose community provides fertile ground for growth and transformation. Worship that moves us in heart and soul, readying us for the worship that is our very lives. Newcomers of all kinds who are finding God and community once again, and new babies reminding us of the gifts of new life. A building project increasing our hospitality, accessibility, sustainability, and legacy. New ways of leading and structuring for our shared ministry. Five new ministers ordained to the gospel ministry this year. Saints remembered, beloveds baptized, some sent and others welcomed, practices of hospitality and care for all ages, music-making and soul-tending. All of this harvest found within a beloved community who welcomes, affirms, and celebrates all of God’s beloved children and insists on justice and mercy for all.
These are but a few of our harvest, at least as I see it, and as I felt it in our Thanksgiving feast together on Sunday. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for each and every one of you who bring our life together, well, to life!
This Sunday begins the season of Advent, the waiting season when we prepare for the coming of God-made-flesh. Advent at First on Fifth is filled to the brim with opportunities to ground your season in blessing, and yes, in harvest too. I do hope you’ll make your plans now to share the season with your church! Advent – and Christmas – will be all the richer with the beloved community beside you.
Until then, may your Thanksgiving celebrations be filled with grace upon grace – and your table questions fun! And may these harvests of gratitude ready you for the coming Christ, pruning the fears of your heart so that Love may grow and find room instead.
Together in God’s work of Love,
Pastor Emily