Last Sunday, we gathered after our worship for our first Selah Sanctuary, a time to bravely share and to consider the magnitude of what each person brought to this conversation. SELAH is a Hebrew word meaning to pause and think of that. SANCTUARY is a place of refuge and safety. We paused and sat together, in vulnerability, for openhearted sharing in a place of safety which has been sustained by a membership ranging in tenure from two years to 70 years or more, with God’s help. Greenbelt Community Church has many long-term, faithful members who warmly welcome newcomers.
The tone of this gathering encouraged earnest and open sharing, and some self-discovery, about precisely where we are as a community of people with many deep connections. The time was filled with good humor, sadness, and creativity brimming forth. Some simply needed to be heard.
Others needed to give voice to the grief of multiple transitions over a brief period. We are all honest about that. No quick solutions were offered. Those present restrained themselves from offering platitudes and listened respectfully to each other.
We each brought the pieces we had to the goal of assembling the puzzle while
envisioning what “the wholeness” may look like. More results of this conversation will be shared in the future, with opportunities for further input.
This is yet another “beginning” for hope and gratitude to walk this walk of compassion and discovery into the Thanksgiving season at Greenbelt Community Church.
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for God’s compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
– Lamentations 3:22-23
New International Version
The church was full of joy last night, Monday, November 17th, as the community and neighbors gathered for the Social Supper, hosted by the Board of Communications and Congregational Life (CCL), in support of federal employees and contractors who are impacted by cuts and the extended government shutdown. Karen Yoho organized this event with many helping hands. She opened the evening, in the Social Hall, with prayer before guests delved into cooking vessels, bowls, and dishes for hot soups, crisp salads, warm breads, and delectable desserts. The Greenbelt Combined Choir rehearsed in our sanctuary to prepare for the Greenbelt Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service to be held on Wednesday, November 26th at Mishkan Torah Synagogue at 7:30PM. The Choir, under the direction of Susan Breon, will sing three traditional Thanksgiving songs and two anthems at the service, which is organized by GILA.
Along with a few other Greenbelt Interfaith Leaders, I plan to offer a Thanksgiving meditation at this annual worship service. This year, we are hosted by Rabbi Saul Oresky and GILA congregations and communities. This is your invitation to join us on Thanksgiving Eve. See you there!
Beloved,
Pastor Aubra
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