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A Parent’s Lament
by Pastor Lori
God, this is not the life I had dreamed for my children.
I imagined the adventures they would have in your wondrous world,
exploring creation, having play dates, growing friendships,
yet now they are unhappily stuck at home without friends, and only me.
I trusted that they would learn from professionals who would
inspire a desire to learn, creatively impart knowledge,
teach them to think critically,
yet now the fullness of that experience is limited.
I’m grateful for the teachers who are adapting to this
unexpected mode of instruction for which they
didn’t sign up either,
but at times I feel woefully inadequate to inspire
my own children,
to patiently wait through their frustration, anger, and grief,
to encourage them to live into this new reality
and make the most of it.
I’ve longed for more family time, for life has become
so busy that we only meet one another coming and going,
with so little time to be present and enjoy
each other's companionship,
but being cooped up 24/7 is growing on our nerves,
provoking anger at little things,
and tearing at the fabric of our relationships.
I mourn for life as it was; although not perfect,
it was familiar and we managed.
It is hard to adjust to this new way of living,
and it is frightening to think about how long this will last.
I don’t know how much more I can endure. I’m at my wits end.
Help me, O God! Hear my cries, receive my sorrow,
share my anguish, even my rage.
I know that this is not what You intend for your children,
but here we are, and You are here with us.
Nudge me toward self-care, a moment in the sunshine, a walk in the neighborhood, an embrace with a troubled child,
a kind word from a friend.
Remind me of your gentle, tender presence with me through this dark valley. Lead me to your light.
In the name of Jesus, who suffered with us and for us, I pray.
Amen.
Holy Week Continues
An online worship service is available for
Maundy Thursday/Good Friday.
The link is https://youtu.be/LVT0leTu_6s.
You will also find current as well as past services
on the FUMC website, www.fumcsantarosa.org.
There is a link on the home page, as well as text of previous sermons. You are welcome to print a sermon and mail it to someone who does not have internet access.
The scripture for Maundy Thursday / Good Friday is Matthew 26:56-27:66.
Holy Week at Home Resources
are available from the UMC at these links;
Share in a home foot-washing with those with whom you are sheltering in place on Holy Thursday to replicate Jesus asking his disciples to serve each other.
Share in prayers at home on Good Friday and blow out a candle to symbolize the crucifixion.
Hang white Christmas lights (or other lights, or electric candles) on Holy Saturday and turn them on Easter morning in time for what might have been your Easter Sunrise service.
Download and color a picture of a cross and dove and hang in your front window or on your front door.
Write in chalk on your driveway or sidewalk the words, “Christ is risen!”
Step outside with the persons with whom you are sheltering in place and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.
View an additional online service of a church of another racial or ethnic background and offer your prayers for that community.
Easter sunrise Zoom worship will be shared with CCUM, FUMC, and St. John’s in Rohnert Park.
In this season of uncertainty, the church is more in ministry than ever. We are adapting to our changed circumstances and striving to be in ministry in innovative ways.
As you are able, we invite your continued giving to the life and ministry of the church.
Give online through our website www.fumcsantarosa.org (Give Tab, Click either Give Online Now or Pay My Pledge) Funds are transmitted through Donorbox.
Thank you for continuing your gifts to the church
in this difficult time.
“I Love this Ministry!”
One of the phone callers emailed Pastor Lori saying, “I Love this Ministry!” Those words were music to her eyes!
What ministry is that, you wonder? It’s the church phone tree! Several have joined the team of people calling about 10 church members once a week to check in.
This is a wonderful way to grow relationships
in the Body of Christ!
When we next worship together, you’ll enjoy seeing one another face to face! The more callers we have, the more people we can reach. If you’d like to join the Calling Team, email Pastor Lori at lori.sawdon@fumcsantarosa.org.
Now that the CDC has recommended that everyone wear a mask such as these if they absolutely need to go out, they are in greater demand. If you are able and willing to make a supply, please contact Margie Schultz at mschultz6972@aol.com.
We have received a request for up to 300 homemade masks for those at
The Living Room.
If you have been churning them out and have a surplus,
please let Elizabeth know.
She will coordinate pick up and delivery. elizabeth.walton@fumcsantarosa.org
The new April edition of the Roseleaf
is now available in the website!
Our email prayer chain has continued sharing your prayer requests. Please send your prayer requests to Pastor Lori at lori.sawdon@fumcsantarosa.org. If you would like to be added to the email prayer chain,
let Pastor Lori know.
We encourage you to be in contact with one another
via phone and email. If you learn of someone in need of pastoral care, please contact the pastors.
