A message from Rev. Jim
Dear Members and Friends of CCEH,
During Lent my partner, Maggie, and I have a morning devotion time every day at 7:30 a.m. Some mornings I look forward to it, impelled by the boost of a recent one. Other mornings, it takes discipline to show up. I tell myself I’m too tired. Other times, I’m feeling regret over something I’ve said or done that I’ll have to confront. It’s not that I have to confront it, but our agreement is that we’ll show up fully to each other and I can’t do that when I’m nursing some negativity. That negativity might be rooted in something I have no control over. For example, this week I am very much affected by such as the loss of the familiar pattern of Holy Week – Maundy Thursday potluck and Communion, Good Friday vigil, Easter lilies, and just being together as a congregation, in person, to share this deeply spiritual time.
These days of physical isolation decreed by COVID-19 are beginning to wear on me. Early on, my new monastic life was novel and welcome. It’s less so now. Resentment sniffs at my door.
Speaking of nursing (and sniffing), my UCC colleague, Rev. Cameron Trimble, shared this story.
Legend has it that, one evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is life-taking. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is life-giving. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”
“So, Jim,” I ask myself, “what are you going to feed your life today?” I have a choice. You also have a choice. And frankly, the choices I’ve heard some of you share during “Joys and Concerns” in our three online Zoom worship services so far quite inspire me. Thank you for that.
If you missed an online CCEH worship event or want to view one again, the below link will take you to where they are archived on our church website:
• https://cc-eh.org/events/worship-service-archives/
Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email for pastoral support – a prayer, a conversation. Your questions and concerns are most welcomed.
Rev. Jim’s Office Hours: Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Join by clicking here (https://hartsem.zoom.us/j/246611260) anytime during that hour. If you prefer to call in by phone, dial 646 558 8656 and enter the meeting ID: 246 611 260.
Your grateful pastor,
Rev. Jim
610.568.2480 cell
Jim@JimLatimer.org