Dear Beloved Friends,
I never thought that I would move back to Florida and see snow all over the yard, on the roof and in the plants! Tropical storms, yes, but snow seemed like an unlikelihood here. I hope that throughout these last few days of frigid temperatures and winter weather that you have found ways to stay warm.
In the beginning of the week, a small group of us from Memorial ventured out in that cold to walk in the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade. As it always goes on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, social media was filled with quotes by Dr. King reminding us to love our neighbors, strive for justice, and challenge systems of oppression. The one that I love to return to, that I believe speaks to the work we can do daily, is his quote on service: “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. ... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.”
A response in love to God’s grace is at the heart of our service to others. You need not have any special skills or a certain title to serve; you just need to be willing to react to God’s love in your life by extending God’s love to others. I wonder, what is one way you plan to serve someone else this week? Would you be willing to share that story of service with me?
Keep warm, dear ones, and continue to pray for our unhoused and under-resourced neighbors who have struggled in these past weeks because of the cold. As a reminder, the cold night shelter will be open tonight should any of you feel led to sign up for one of the shifts there.
With love and grace,
Pastor Rachel
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