My beloved Mt. Tam Church,
It’s been a tough week for me. Maybe it has for you as well. We are all facing the big picture of the COVID-19 virus pandemic and the impact of sequestering in place. Each one of us has our personal challenges and difficulties as well. For me, this week, it was having the back window of my Mini convertible shattered and my purse stolen from my car. It’s embarrassing to even admit my purse was there. I’m a very cautious person and never place my purse in the trunk of my car. Well, almost never, but I did and there it goes! Now, I’m in that place where many of us have been— cancelling credit cards, replacing lost items, trying to even recall what was in my purse. For me, the hardest part is the thought of the irreplaceable items: such as the small bus token that my small nephew gave me over 50 years ago that I have carried every day, the special mirror a friend had found for me, and the photos of both my friends and parents that were tucked into my wallet. In addition to that, getting the Mini fixed! I kept saying to God, “I didn’t need this right now!” So far he/she hasn’t answered back, at least not directly. So, I’ll wait for a response. We are all waiting— waiting for life to return, for “the world to restart,” for good news, and for hope.
And even though God may not be answering my direct complaint right now, I know I am surrounded by love and grace. Grace from the most unusual of places, such as the staff person at the Mini dealership, when I called him to talk about repairing the damage to the car (the whole convertible top has to be replaced). He told me the facts about the replacement, then switched his tone and finished the conversation with, “…and if there is anything else I can do for you, like bring you something at home, let me know.”
Such as the Love from neighbors who are gathering outside (while still socially distancing themselves, of course) at 5 PM on Sundays for an informal gathering which has also become a lovely cocktail hour. Such as the joy of having our daughter at home in which without her technical skills, patience, and help I could not have gotten through these past two weeks without. Lastly, such as the hope in the shape of lengthening days, freshness of the rain, and the promise of Easter.
And of course, poetry! Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese,” which I have shared before, has become my prayer mantra this week. You’ll find it below. For me, there is something comforting about these words: “Meanwhile, the world goes on….” Maybe those are God’s answers to me. To remind me to lift up my head. To take a closer look around at the wonders and miracles about me, while even in the toughest of weeks, and give thanks.
Peace,
Pastor Kim
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile, the world goes on.
Meanwhile, the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile, the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting- over and over announcing your place in the family of things.
SERVING WHILE SHELTERING
There are still ways to serve even while sheltering in place! For people who are not high-risk for the virus and feel like they can serve, please note that there are many organizations that need help right now. Each Faith Matters, we will highlight some opportunities to serve. Right now, the SF-Marin Food Bank needs volunteers. They are located at 2550 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael; 415-282-1900, [email protected].
Blood donations are desperately needed by the Red Cross, 712-5th Avenue, San Rafael. 415-721-2365 is the number to call to secure a safe appointment for donating blood.
Please also consider an additional gift to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund of Mt. Tam Church. Pastor Kim has had several contacts with local residents who need financial help with rent, food and making connections with services. Through the generosity of our members, in April we will pay the rent of a Mill Valley senior who was close to homelessness and help several southern Marin residents with groceries. You can donate through the website; indicate your gift is for the pastor’s discretionary fund.
WE ARE NOT CLOSED—WE’RE JUST NOT IN BUILDINGS! Please watch the Faith Matters for online opportunities for fellowship, learning and service. With the shelter-in-place order extended through April 30th, we will be adding Zoom-based coffee hour and Bible study soon. Worship will continue to be online: Sunday mornings will be live-streamed from the sanctuary at 10:30. Godly Play for children is available through Zoom. Contact Tricia Wiig to be included in that Zoom invitation if you are not already receiving it. For Holy Week, a Good Friday meditation service and a Maundy Thursday observance are being developed. More information by this Friday’s Faith Matters.
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