A congregation of the United Church of Canada
Most ministers serve in solo ministries so it is very important for us to carve out time for connecting with colleagues. I get together for coffee every Monday morning with just such a group. As with any group, over the course of time various people go through ups and downs, both personally and professionally. In the last while my group has been experiencing a disproportionate amount of ‘downs’ as folks face struggles in their lives and churches, and our meetings had been full of care, and concern, and support for one another. Ministry can be a tough gig these days. Covid took its toll in many ways. (In case you’re wondering, I’m doing fine. This really is about ‘a friend’.)
Interestingly, happily, we are currently experiencing a remarkable amount of renewal and rebirth among the members of our group. Situations have resolved, moves have been made, new pastoral relationships have begun, and ways forward have been discerned. It’s like a new season has dawned. We are experiencing a lot of Eastering in our group. But as you know, Eastering doesn’t happen without a ‘dying’ to what was. And that part is often very hard.
Several months ago it was difficult for the group to even imagine the Eastering we’re revelling in now. It’s hard to see beyond the shadow of the valley when you’re in it. But we ventured on together, loving one another in the valley, and in time a new season emerged. But it was not a straight line, or an easy journey.
I encourage you to look for signs of Eastering in your life. And if you happen to be in the valley I pray that you have loving, supportive people to walk that path with you. Kindred in Christ are especially good at that stuff! It’s good to remember that our faith affirms that Eastering *will* happen. Valleys recede. Stones roll away. New life emerges. Spring follows winter. And when the warmth of our Eastering blossoms, we rejoice. Together. Hallelujah!