Happy Friday!

Have you given yourself some time to really reflect on the last year? How has your life changed? How have you changed, evolved? What are some things you’ve been able to cherish during this time? What/who do you grieve the loss of seeing in-person?

You might be able to fill a book with your experiences and thoughts, and our church community could probably fill a library aisle of our lessons and learning during this time. Here is an opportunity to reflect and put some of these thoughts into action…

Worship on March 14 will mark the one-year anniversary of gathering online and via distance because of the COVID-19 threats to our health and safety. Wow, what a year it has been! To mark this milestone and to reflect on the many lessons and moments of God’s presence, we ask that you submit any photos, videos, or even one to two-sentence reflections of this past year. How did we as a church community survive and even, at times, thrive? Where did God move and carry us? How are we moving forward? Please send your quotes, photos and videos to Laurel.cluthe @ holmeswood . org by Sunday, March 7; David will compile a video presented in Worship.

Thank you for being a part of this time of healing, reflection on the past, and the beautiful opportunity to focus on the future of hope and being in-person again.

God of Healing, thank you for an opportunity to reflect on all that has been this past year, as well as all that will be. Thank you for being a loving God who welcomes all of our feelings and thoughts and doesn't stifle our anger, grief or even suffering with false promises. We praise you in the midst of this difficult year because we acknowledge your presence and deep love for all of us. May we hold onto hope and look forward to each new morning. Amen.

~Laurel