Dear Friends,
On Sunday night, Matthew and I went out to the ballfield in Schaumberg to see a concert we had been looking forward to for months. It was 70 degrees—a perfect late summer, almost fall temperature. As the night set in and the band started playing, the full moon made its appearance. Between the cool breeze of late summer, the baseball field, the music, and the moon, I realized that I had stumbled upon the house of God.
During our worship on Sunday morning, we talked about different places and different ways we each experience crossing that threshold into the house of God. Forest bathing, listening to music, conversations with people we love, watching children play, meditation, or simply sitting in our sanctuary after a rough week. Each of us has different paths and different doors we use to approach and enter into that not-so-metaphorical temple.
These moments often seem fleeting and yet they leave us with the conviction that there is no real separation between the house of God and our regular everyday lives. There is no real difference between the sacred and the mundane, the divine and the ordinary.
Each moment, each breath is a new invitation to recognize that we are in God’s house, surrounded by God’s children and God’s beloved creation. “Blessed are your eyes because they see, blessed are your ears because they hear,” Jesus said.
Of course, when we do open our eyes and ears to really see and really hear—we have to take responsibility for the reality that is in front of us. The question moves from where is God’s house to how do we live in God’s house. We have to take responsibility for neighbors, for our communities, and for the world around us.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t relish in those exquisite moments that we stumble upon in life—the perfect summer night, a long hike, an afternoon with your grandchildren. We should completely relish those moments and allow them to open us to more wonder and more hope. We should allow those moments to inspire us to participate in ensuring that everyone has access to clean air, opportunities for recreation, and a safe place to live and grow.
I invite you to share with me a quick picture of two of some of the places and spaces where you stumbled into God’s house this summer. Email me your pictures with a short description and I’ll post them in our newsletter over the next few weeks.
Peace,
Rob
An image of Lady Wisdom. Title and artist unknown.
Join us for Online Worship this Sunday
Everyone is invited to join us this Sunday at 10:00 am for our online worship gathering as we begin a new worship series focused on the wisdom tradition of the Hebrew scriptures. This week, we’ll be reading from the Song of Songs and from Mark’s gospel. Music will be led by CCW Music Director Winifred Brown and accompanist Reid Taylor. Peg Kritzler will be our worship leader.
To join us via Zoom, please click on the button below or go to our website at www.ccwilmette.org and follow the link at the top of the homepage.
We will not be gathering for worship on Sunday, September 5th and will gather again online for worship on Sunday, September 12th.
Weekly in-person worship gatherings begin again on Sunday, September 19th. As break-through Covid-19 cases continue, we are requesting that everyone wear masks in the sanctuary during worship. As weather permits, coffee hour will be held outside.
Living and Serving Together
Donations for A Just Harvest
Missions and Outreach is also collecting specific items for A Just Harvest. The organization is in immediate need of paper towels, bleach, canned vegetables, and chicken and beef broth. You are also welcome to drop off donated items at the church office or contact Carol Brigham to coordinate a pick up.
Pastor Rob on Vacation from Saturday, September 4th through Tuesday, September 14th
I will be out-of-state on vacation beginning on Saturday, September 4th. I will not be checking or responding to emails or other non-emergency messages during this time. As always, please call or text me at 773-251-6561 if you have a pastoral emergency. I will respond as soon as possible and coordinate support from a colleague if needed.
I will respond to all other messages beginning on Wednesday, September 15th.
Prayers of the Community
Please keep the following individuals and families in your thoughts and prayer this week.
Winifred Brown’s sister Connie Sterner as she recovers from a recent fall that caused multiple fractures.
Brian Fischer, Stephen Fischer, and their families as they continue to grieve the loss of their mother Susan Fischer.
Alistair and Leslie Henderson as they continue to grieve the loss of Alistair’s father.