From Our Pastor, Rev. Gloria Smith

June 2021

We have been back together for 4 weeks as of the writing of this pondering. I am so joyful and appreciative to look out from the pulpit and see those who have returned to in person worship. I have noticed in myself that I have been so accustomed to having very limited contact that it has taken several weeks for my entire self to wake up. In this awaking, I am able to sense an increasing amount of energy and emotions coming from people around me. In other words, I am experiencing you more and more as whole and complete individuals. This awareness has shown me that it is taking us time to become fully alive after the isolation of Covid-19. So, if you are feeling numb at times when you really want to feel alive, know it is normal and you are not the only one. Hopefully, as we are faced with fewer precautions concerning Covid-19 we will continue to return to our old selves.

In June, we will see further opportunities for being together socially and in mission. Make sure to see the information regarding Late Last Supper which is a social dinner for anyone to enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. Our work at Nourish Phoenix (formerly ICM) will continue this month. We volunteer one morning a month to pack food, prepare bottles of personal care items and fold clothing. There are positions that permit you to sit or stand. If you are interested, please watch your Encanto Weekly for date and time. We are hoping that we will be able to offer more
events or opportunities to gather in the coming weeks.

In regards to our prayer life and the opportunity to take a stand for the abused, I ask you to remember Asian-Americans and Jewish Americans who are increasing being attacked as an act of bias and hate. This type of behavior toward individuals, regardless of race or religion, is not the thoughts and actions of a nation priding itself on its democracy or practices a religious/spiritual faith. I do believe that there are more of us who are civil and practice a faith of unity and peace than those creating harm and danger. If you witness this type of abuse, please support the person as you are able and, regardless of age, you are able to ask the person if you can be of service and call the police.

Well, these are the thoughts on my mind this week. I hope that these ponderings will stimulate ponderings in you.

Blessings, Rev. Gloria