Pastoral Ponderings – April 2026

“Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, as well as the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head”. ~ John 20:6-7

Most of you know that we have been dealing with a leak from a broken pipe in the kitchen at the parsonage. Because it was in the wall, and in the back of the lower cabinets, the leak did not present itself until the cellulose insulation thawed out as the temperature got warmer, and trickled down the basement wall, which is where David found it.

It wasn’t until we found the leak, got a plumber to come to the house, and he opened up the wall, that we found we were going to need more extensive repairs than just a fixed pipe. By opening the wall, it exposed the truth of what was happening. And once that truth was found, we were unable to ignore the damage, and are faced with having to get the proper testing for asbestos, lead paint, and mold, tearing out the cabinets and counter top, and then opening more of the wall to find out exactly the amount of damage that was done by one little 3/4 inch slit in a copper pipe.

The truth is like that. Once it is out in the open, it can’t be ignored. Oh, we can try and sweep it under the rug, or hide it in a closet, but good luck with that. Eventually, someone will “trip” over the rug, or open the closet, and the truth will be exposed. Truth is tricky like that.

Oftentimes, the truth hurts. Or, at the very least, it stings. But it always finds a way of coming to the surface, and you know what? The truth will set you free!

Don’t believe me? Have you ever done something in your life—or said something to someone—that you didn’t want anyone to find out?

Maybe it was because you didn’t want to take the blame (even though you deserved to take it). Or maybe it was because the truth made you feel ashamed. Or maybe the truth proved you were wrong about something, or someone, and you didn’t want to believe it—be it good or bad.

What happens when you try to hide, or try to run away from the truth? How do you feel? Do you feel lousy? How do you sleep when you try to hide the truth? Are Guilt and Anxiety constant companions during this time?

But what happens when the truth comes out, and you have to face the consequences?

While it may sting for a little while, don’t you feel better having let it go? With the truth in the open, you don’t have to hide anything anymore, you don’t have to lie anymore, you don’t have to keep things bottled up anymore.

On that dark day we call Good Friday, Jesus was led to Golgotha—made to carry his own cross—and then nailed to it until he suffocated and took his last breath. And he did this willingly—because he knew the truth. He knew that his suffering would save humanity—for the rest of time. He knew the truth about how God’s Love covers everyone’s sins—if they but repent—if they turn back toward God and leave their old, sinful ways. (Which, by the way, must also be done willingly!)

Some 2000+ years later, we have the luxury (unlike the disciples and Jesus’ followers) of knowing this Truth. We know that in the midst of the valley of death, new life will rise again.

No matter what you are going through, remember that Truth. And remember that sharing the truth, even though it may sting, in the long run, will bring you new life.

God’s Truth— Love wins, and the unearnable Love of God is for everyone—no matter who, no matter what, no matter where. Go forth and spread that truth, don’t hide it!

Always Peace,

Pastor Heidi

Pastoral Ponderings – March 2026

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” ~ Matthew 3:16

 The Bible is filled with symbols, common objects, numbers and elements which represent deep spiritual truths.

Examples are:

Water for the Holy Spirit as well as for life Fire for purification or judgement

Light for God

Oil for the Holy Spirit and anointing

Bread for the life sustaining living Word of God Cross for salvation

Rainbow for God’s covenant Dove for the Holy Spirit Lamb for Jesus

Today, we use symbols to help us remember the Word of God. We use bread to symbolize the body of Christ, juice to symbolize the blood Jesus shed on the cross. We use water to remind us of our baptism, and that we are named and claimed by God.

During our Ash Wednesday Service of Ashes, those who attended received a rock. Biblically, a rock symbolizes strength and permanence, something we can rely on not to move.

But we received these rocks as symbols of the burdens we carry through our life. Some picked their rocks so they could fit in their pockets, keeping them close.

Some picked larger rocks to display in places they could see them. I picked mine—larger but not too large, so I could carry it with me in my bag back and forth to the church, or in my purse when I was going some place. It is heavy enough for me to remember it is always present.

What I have noticed, is that when I put my bag down, the relief I feel from not carrying it around anymore.

Each of our life journeys look different, and we carry different burdens. Some we have to carry, but many we do not. Through our conversations and our worship this Lenten Season, we will contemplate what burdens we are meant to carry, and what burdens we are not meant to carry. Here’s a hint, in case you don’t already know:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30.

So often we place unnecessary pressure or expectations on ourselves to be perfect, to know everything, to act a certain way, or live a certain way. But the reality is, those are not what we should be focusing on. All they do is cause undue stress, anxiety, and burdens. Instead, what we should be concentrating on is following God’s path, loving with grace and mercy, because God first loved us, and offers us grace and mercy. When we do, our burdens will become lighter, and we will live in the peace God created us to live in in the first place.

My friends, you are not the only one in this crazy and chaotic life who has burdens. All of us carry them. I pray you will join us this Lenten season as we walk this journey of self reflection together. Maybe together we can work on letting go of those burdens that we no longer need to carry. May it be so.

Always Peace,

Pastor Heidi