From the Ministers

May 2008

Dear Friends,

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. . . ." So starts the most famous passage from Ecclesiastes (3:1). The simple truth of these ancient words continues to resonate — whether from the pages of the Bible or the refrain of a popular song.

For as long as we human beings have walked the face of the earth, the changing of the seasons has captured our attention. Even in our highly industrialized, post-modern society, you can hardly help but notice the budding of the trees, the lengthening of the days, the greening of the grass.

Here at United Church on the Green, the changing of the seasons has been no less remarkable. A few short months ago, we began a season of sabbatical together. Since then, winter has given way to spring. Meanwhile, the light of Epiphany prepared us for the reflective season of Lent, which in turn led us into the joy of Eastertide.

And now we are on the verge of entering into a new season, both in the liturgical calendar of the church and in the natural world around us. Summer and Pentecost are expansive, hope-filled times to rejoice in the abundant gifts of light, growth, and Spirit.

Pentecost Sunday (May 11) will also usher in the beginning of a new season of post-sabbatical time for you all and your very gifted settled senior minister, the Rev. John MacIver Gage. As you come together again, you will have much to share with each other about the sabbaticals (John's sabbatical and the church's sabbatical) that are now drawing to a close.

For my part, I am more grateful than I can say for the opportunity to walk with you through this sabbatical time. As we prepare to take leave of one another, I give thanks for all that has been life-giving and good about this season that we have shared together, and pray that the Spirit may continue to guide you in the ways of justice, love, and peace.

The writer of Ecclesiastes goes on to say (in 3:14): "I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before God."

As we prepare to transition out of this sabbatical time and into the future, let us look with awe and thanks to the One who — season in and season out — holds us with infinite tenderness in the palm of God's own hand.

Blessings to each and all of you,

Caroline Murphy

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