Pastor’s Message

Dear Friends,

According to our Liturgical calendar, we are now in “Ordinary Time,” that is, a time when there are no special celebrations such as Christmas or Easter. In a way, we are also in “ordinary time” or “in–between time” in our seasons. It has always seemed to me that the month of February marks the middle of winter. When Bill and I lived in northern New York State, where the winters were long with piles of snow and cold weather, we often said that if we could get through February, we could make it through the rest of the winter.

Winter, of course, in California is different, but the days are short, and there is a lot of rain and cloudy weather. For many people it is a depressing time; some even buy special lamps to help alleviate the seasonal depression that sometimes occurs. Our winter “blahs” are compounded by the dreadful news that comes to us daily regarding war and terrorism, earthquakes and hurricanes, new and dangerous diseases, corruption in business and government — and the list goes on and on.

What can we do to make life brighter during this “winter of our discontent”? We can enjoy time with family and friends. We can go to concerts and uplifting movies. We can go to church on Sunday and to Taizé services. We can read inspirational books and poetry. And, we can go to the Scriptures! Just as there are Lectionary passages each Sunday, there are also such passages for daily reading. As I write this on January 19, the Psalm for today is number 27. Here are some excerpts:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock … Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.

Herein lies our comfort and our hope. Such words bring us joy and give us a perspective on life in which we are reminded that God is with us, not only today, but in every season of our lives. Believe this and be glad!

Faithfully yours,
Marge Palmer