Pastor's Corner
...musings from Salem's Pastor Kurt Traugott...
As I write this in about 5 hours, we come to the end of another year and the beginning of a new, many of us will participate in the ritual of contemplating our lives and resolving to make appropriate changes. There is a good feeling associated with being able to have a fresh start, a new beginning. So, if you begin the New Year taking time for some contemplation and reflection, I offer the following as seed for thought. It is written by Ann Weems in her book "Searching For Shalom." I found it very provocative.
Born in the light of the Bright and Morning Star,
we are new.
Not patched, not mended. . . but new
like a newborn. . . .
like the morning . . .
The guilt-blotched yesterdays are gone;
the soul stains are no more!
There is no looking back;
there are no regrets.
In our newness, we are free.
in the power of God's continuing creation.
we are:
new shoots from the root of Jesse,
new branches from the one true Vine,
new songs breaking through the world's deafness.
This then is a new day.
New shoots, new branches,
new songs, new day . . .
Bathed in the promise of God's New Creation,
we begin!
God's peace and blessing be unto each of you in the coming New Year.
Pastor Kurt+
As an addendum:
I am your called – part time Pastor. I try to keep that in mind. But as your Pastor, I am here for you. I will make pastoral calls, visit you when you are in the hospital, be with you to support you in joyful times and sad. If you are shut-in or in a
Nursing home I will bring you Holy Communion. But, I need to know from you if you what want from me. Please be in touch (454-5973) if any of the above touches your life.