God's heart and hands.

Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,

Some of you have heard me say recently that having and raising children is such a welcome reminder of how little we're actually able to control. We do our best, we love them, we learn from them. And there's so much that's out of our control. We generally don't always love that feeling, do we?. Human beings like to categorize, to name, to be masters of our own destiny, to feel in control of many things. Some more than others, right? Some days more than others? All of us need some sense of life being manageable and controllable - or we wouldn't be able to do all the things we do every day. But then...there are these moments, or seasons, these reminders that sort of put us back in our right place, humbly aware of our own limitations, reminded that it's really God who is in control. The last few weeks for me have been another exercise in all this. Another reminder about how much is beyond me - beyond us - and only in God's heart and God's hands. In many ways, it's been a welcome reminder, a refreshing reminder. It's good to be reminded that we aren't at the wheel - we aren't making the big decisions - that isn't our work or our role. We get to do smaller things - like order coffee and choose what's for dinner - but much of the world and the way salvation unfolds is still a mystery to us.

Today, I write with some news about my own journey. My doctor has restricted my activity in order to see that I rest for the last part of this pregnancy, hoping to ensure that our little boy wonder stays where he is for a little bit longer. So, this past Sunday will have been my last Sunday with you for a little while. This coming week, the Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers will begin spending Sundays with you. While it is hard for me to step away, to have not known exactly when this was coming, and to not be with you, I know that you will be in good and faithful hands with Linda, our staff, and our lay leaders. We are in very good shape, so much work has been done to lay out the season ahead. I am confident it will be a wonderful one. As I've mentioned, I think it's a great gift for you to have Linda and Meg here in my absence. I hope you will enjoy them and take advantage of their wealth of gifts and experiences. I hope you will support the leadership of your Vestry and Officers, especially Anne and Pam as they shoulder more responsibility in my absence. We are blessed by the ministry of all these people and by their commitment to this place.

The staff and I have worked hard to plan a wonderful season for you - I'm sorry to miss everything that will roll out! Please do plan to be here and to be part of our life together. Invite some folks in your life who need connection, safe space, and a reminder about the God who loves them. There are wonderful forums coming up the next two weeks. Then, the Annual Meeting on 2/5. We'll do a Gospel series again after church on Sundays in Lent (Lent begins on 2/22 with Ash Wednesday). All of our wonderful programming for children and youth continue. The choir, I'm sure, will lead you through a beautiful Lent and Easter. There will be new opportunities for connection with the Women's Group and with our Social Justice & Racial Healing group. And there will be so much more along the way: beloved traditions like our Easter egg hunt, and some new surprises, too.

Know that while I'm not with you, you will be in my prayers every day. We would be glad of your prayers, too, for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. And, of course, when there's news, we will share it with you. I pray God's blessing on each of you and look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Near or far, remember always that God loves you. And so do I. Until we are together again, I leave you with my love, always in God's heart and hands.

Faithfully,

--Marissa +