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It’s no secret that most of us have been at home a lot these last few months. While some people have found this easy, others of us long to be out and about, among people. I and your other pastors, staff and leaders are doing all we can to keep connected to you, keep church open and vital and plan for the future.

This week I have been reminded of two things and want to share those with you. In my Monday morning lectio divina prayer group we focused this week on Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” This passage has wormed its way into my heart this week, causing me to share it in several meetings. I think that’s because I’ve been reminded that seeking God is the way for my fears, anxieties and longings to be soothed and that seeking God is truly for me the way home – home to peace, joy and hope, especially in these troubled times.

Second, for me, part of seeking God is to try to let these times bring out the best in me, rather than the worst. Temptations to become angry and vindictive and spread untruths as well as inciting information are all around us. For me, part of seeking God is to pay attention to that and make decisions that help not only my fears be reduced but also seek to reduce the fears and anxieties of others, rather than enlarge them. That means constantly thinking, “What is the most loving thing to say or do?” as we think about what to post on social media and what to write or say or do throughout our lives.

In other words, how can I show the best sides of my Christian life to the world? I’m making the commitment to seek God’s way of love, trusting that God will find me and lead me to my true home in God’s heart.

This Sunday, Aug. 16, in worship I’m talking about finding our way home to God as we look at “Exodus and Exile” as part of “What Do These Words Mean?” See you in worship!

Many blessings,
Sharon

If you’d like to join me via Zoom for “Coffee With the Pastor” at 11 a.m. on Sundays, Aug. 16, 23 and 30, send an email to info@umcstmarks.org and you’ll get the Zoom link.