March 6, 2025

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19

Fifty-two clergy from across the conference participated in a clergy retreat on February 18-20th, featuring Rev. Dr. Mary Luti as speaker around the theme of the Table (communion) as a place of justice. In addition to our programmatic sessions, clergy played games, created artwork, connected around important issues and participated in spiritual direction. There was joy abundant, due in no small part to the prolific worship and a hymn sing that featured Rev. Amy Sens and Rev. Michael Vanacore. 

Throughout our time, I found myself reflecting heavily on the concept of re-membering. The table, not unlike the observance of Lent, is a time of remembering who we are and from what we have come, but also who calls us and what are called to be in the light of our faith.

 Across time and place there have been forces that seek to separate us with various narratives that use scripture as a weapon. Every day I find myself in conversations about the United Church of Christ as a place of division along many lines. That might be true, but what I felt in our conversations around Table was the transformative power that occurs when we remember sacred space and sacred times. 

We have been created for remembering and re-membering - gathering together what God has created for the betterment of all. That feels especially relevant to me as we journey through Lent. We are made up of basic elements and complex systems of cells that enable us to do magical things. These bodies, made of dust, have the power to unite and value our fellow human beings. In these next forty plus days, may our hearts center on the power of an invitation to recall and realign us in accordance with God’s will.