Dear St. Margaret’s Family,
In June of 1989, nearly 35 years ago, I stood in the pulpit for the first time at St. Margaret’s to give my senior sermon. While I don’t remember what I said that morning, I do recall that I spoke about what my time at St. Margaret’s had meant to my then 18- year-old self, and what I would carry with me as I headed to Bethlehem to attend Moravian College. I stood at a crossroad that morning, much as I am doing now.
As I prepared to write this letter, I reflected on how the majority of my life has been spent in either Emmaus or Bethlehem, and what those two places represent in scripture and in my own life. It is impossible for me to believe that this means nothing in terms of God’s call to me and how I answer it.
In Luke’s Gospel we hear the story of Jesus meeting a small group of disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection. As they walk along the road, Jesus engages the group in conversation about what has happened in Jerusalem and, more importantly, what the scripture says about those events. When the group arrives in Emmaus, they invite Jesus to join them. As he breaks bread with them, they immediately recognize that they have been walking with Jesus all along. For me, St. Margaret’s in Emmaus has had a similar effect. I have spent most of the last 42 years here, and there are not enough words to describe the life-changing impact that my time here has had. It is here in Emmaus that I have been taught about what scripture says and, more importantly, what it means to apply its teachings to my own life. As a member of this faith community, I have learned about loving God and my neighbor more fully than I ever thought possible. It was here that I discovered my passion for serving the least of God’s children, and it was here that I discerned my call to ordination as a Deacon.
Luke’s Gospel also contains the story of Mary and Joseph heading on their journey too Bethlehem to be counted in the census. This was a long and dangerous journey under the best of circumstances, but when you add in Mary’s pregnancy it’s not hard to see what an amazing leap of faith Mary and Joseph undertook here. Mary and Joseph were presented with a challenge that would allow them to grow in faith and service to God, and they stepped out into the unknown willingly. The gospel text doesn’t give any indication of hesitation here. In 1989 I took the leap of faith to head to college in Bethlehem and challenge myself to grow academically and personally. Attending college was a challenge, but I met it head on and learned a great deal about at least part of God’s plan for me. And now I stand at the threshold of another journey to Bethlehem that will provide me with many opportunities to grow in service to God and neighbor. Like Mary and Joseph, this journey to Bethlehem will present new challenges, not the least of which is leaving my spiritual home. But like Mary and Joseph, I am ready to take that leap of faith so that I can grow more fully into who God dreams I can be.
There really aren’t words to express what St. Margaret’s has meant to me over the years. Thank you just doesn’t seem to be adequate here. I head to Bethlehem knowing that no matter where I go I will take the love, support and prayers of my parish family here with me. Thank you to all of you for being guinea pigs for my first sermons, for your words of encouragement, for sharing my joys and for holding me up when I needed it most. I go to Bethlehem knowing that I am blessed, and I am excited to use these blessings to bless others in a new place and in new ways. I look forward to seeing what you will continue to do in the days and years ahead, and hold you in my prayers. Please know that there is always a place in my heart for all of you.
Peace and Blessings,
Deacon Jen
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
- At 9:00 on Sunday, please come to wish our wonderful Deacon “Farewell and Godspeed”, and offer her your blessing as she undertakes her new ministry in urban Bethlehem. We will also dedicate the new sidewalks and steps. Then, celebrate our life together after the Eucharist!!!!!
- Plans for the November 3-4 Basket Social are off and running! Last week, the Fundraising Committee sent me news about the baskets that have been created, and that number is already outdated. Way ta go, St. Margaret’s!!! Next week, we’ll have lots more information for you. In the meantime, let your imagination run wild. What kind of baskets would YOU like, if you were attending? How about, “COZY” (a child’s rocker, blankie and stuffed toy). Or, “I LOVE YOU” (champagne, champagne glasses, candles and candle holders, a bring-your-own-roses vase and chocolates)? “IT’S FOR THE BIRDS” (bird seed, storage can and other bird-friendly items). Have fun, while helping the parish and making some lucky basket-winner happy.
Mo. Laura