A colleague with whom I labor closely teases me sometimes that I am like a whirlwind.  I get what he means, given my plate and pace, but I usually smile and remind him “Deep, deep, deep, deep down I am calm:))”
 
Well, I am human so some days that’s more true than others.  For sure, I find in these difficult times in which we live… a whirlwind.  A whirlwind of tragic and avoidable death,  despair and anger, idolatry and shallowness and bitterness.  And interwoven through it all a devastating failure to understand and trust one another and so many of our leaders.  To whom will we turn for counsel to get us through? What does it all mean of God’s presence, character and guidance?   Like you, I am on the journey of grappling with these things through the lens of experience, scripture, tradition and reason.

I’m delighted you’ll be in the Good Company of Rev. Wayne MacPherson this week.  We welcome this long-time wise friend back to Eden as guest preacher while I am away for a weekend with friends. Wayne will invite you to be reminded of a “still-speaking God” as he brings a word from the book of Job.  With our wider denomination, the UCC, we believe that “God is still speaking.” May we, with the perception of Job, perceive and receive the Holy One’s word for this day.

After worship, join Sarah, Carla et. al as they head downtown around 11:30/11:45 to meet up with Gail Angel and many others at this year’s Crop Walk to End Hunger.  It’s not to late to register on line to walk or to give a donation from Team Eden. Contact Sarah.foster@ctschicago.edu for more info.

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki

HERE’S TO A DIFFERENT PACE…

A Reworking of Psalm 23
Toki Miyashina, Japanese Poet

The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush;
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.

He leads me in ways of efficiency
through calmness of mind,
and His guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things
to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here;
His timelessness, His all importance,
will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal
in the midst of my activity
by anointing my mind
with His oils of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness
shall be the fruits of my hours;
for I shall walk, in the pace of my Lord
and dwell in His house forever.