Dear Eden Family,

I feel very pleased with the April Echo which is on its way to you, and especially grateful for Erin’s nice work on it. It’s very abbreviated, but I think will convey much of what’s on our collective heart and mind. Confessing a little… I put my heart into expressing what’s on my mind theologically and in terms of our mission together. I surely hope you’ll find these spiritually clarifying and assuring.

When I woke up this morning, I realized there’s something I omitted as I shared about the Coronovirus Reality: I AM SAD TOO. I AM WORRIED TOO. I AM ANXIOUS TOO. All of those things you may be feeling, I am feeling too. This is a truly vulnerable time, and I feel it taking a toll. Today’s been a day of fragmented thinking, a weight on my chest, frequent “Help us Lord!”

I’m abiding by the public health community’s instructions at home and work, and hope you are too. In vulnerable times, God strengthens us with broader wisdom and with showing us what is actually in our power to do. There is so much that is not. In addition to prayer and study, these two things are anchoring me:

a) I have spent a lot of time on local and national webinars and conference calls with public health, Mayors office, and wider clergy groups. It helps to feel connected, and to not only hear announcements but share needs and ideas with each other as we seek to serve you best.

b) I have spent a lot of time at church and in our hallowed sanctuary. I will continue to spend even more time in next few weeks. This solitude is rich in love and prayer. As the Church Council and I work with the unfolding crisis and guidance from community leaders, we will keep you updated on our decisions about gathering on-site. In the meantime, know that I and a small number of leaders are in our space, loving you and praying for you. There’s an energy of dwelling there before God in real time, an attending to the building’s needs and getting ready for whatever’s next. It’s helping me a lot. (Also, there’s a lot of clutter and cleaning for me to do:))

How are you doing? What are you doing to anchor yourself? To receive strength from beyond us? If you need support for self care and faith in this time, please do not hesitate to call upon me. These nourishing steps I am taking are in order for me to dwell WITH YOU during this challenging time.

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki