COVID, Nor’easters and Fairs, oh my! Windows and Ceilings and Floors, HooBoy!
The Wizard of Oz is among my life-long favorites. I can sing every word from memory… and recite most of the dialogue! Among my most cherished memories is the scene in the forest as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Toto staunchly yet with appropriate trepidation, march arm and arm along the Yellow Brick Road.
There’s a bit of that same trepidation in our communal lives these days. We know where we’re going. We know that we’re on the right path. But the landmarks aren’t fully familiar. And we’re more than a little bit worried that something scary may lie ahead.
So what. Seriously. Do any of us doubt our capacity to weather the unexpected storm? Is there any reason to believe that we cannot conquer the challenges we confront?
I’ve only been here for a few short years (3 ½ by my count) and yet think of all we have been through… all the mountains we’ve already scaled. Have we figured out how to “pandemic” our way through regular worship, Confirmation and Sunday School? (Yes.) Through summer services, the Christmas pageant, SonRise and our cherished Cantata traditions? (Yes.) Through two stewardship seasons, two federal assistance applications, a community preservation grant and, of course, the current capital campaign…? Mostly. And, again, we will prevail.
The faithfulness of this congregation has carried us safe thus far. And as we enter the moments of this most holy season, we trust God and one another – by vision, grace and fortitude — to lead us home.