By Senior Minister Rev. John Morehouse
As the dog days of summer come to an end and we return to our full capacity as a congregation, I want to fill you in on how I am doing, what is happening, and how we can respond to it.
As many of you have heard, I suffered a bad fall over the summer that left me with a fracture in my left knee. The good news is that this did not require surgery. The more challenging news is that I have been non-weight-bearing for the past month and I have up to eight more weeks to go. I will then begin bearing weight on the leg by small amounts and eventually return to full weight. I will have four more months of physical therapy after that. I am back at work meeting people online or in the parsonage. Please let me know if you would like to meet.
My plan is to be back “in the pulpit” on Sunday, Sept. 14, likely preaching from a chair on the chancel. In every other way, I am feeling well rested and eager for our new year to unfold. We have many great initiatives set to begin this fall, including our congregation-wide work towards housing justice. We continue to support marginalized communities at risk, especially Queer folx and immigrants.
As we face the reality that we are moving towards fascism, I am more committed than ever to our purpose, to protect the vulnerable, and stand against tyranny. We will be highlighting opportunities for us to stand together in witness and protest in the coming months.
I am so thankful for all of you for being a part of our congregation. I am thankful for the many of you who have sent cards and good wishes and food. I am thankful for our amazing leadership and capable staff who have been leading us this summer. We are in very good hands as we navigate these troubled waters.
This coming Sunday, we welcome the Rev. Dr. Laura Solomon, recently called to our sister congregation in Media. Laura is a cherished colleague and friend; she will bring a message of hope and action to us. I hope many of you will be able to come. The following Sunday is our Homecoming Sunday; this multigenerational service will be led by Director of Learning & Family Ministries Dawn Star Sarahs-Borchelt, Music Director David Brown, and Congregational Life Coordinator Yvette McDonnell.
Beloveds, as we embark on a new church year, let us remember that our ministry is life saving in ways we may not always see. As Anne Frank wrote as she hid from the Nazis: “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define darkness.” We are so much more than a single candle.