Starting an uncharted pilgrimage with you

Someone passed along a word from Harry Potter's Albus Dumbledore ~   'Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.'

As I prepared to leave for my Sabbatical in 2014, I started a blog. The purpose was to keep us close even though we would be far apart for an extended period of time. While I was able to share the delights and the struggles of my pilgrimage with you, you offered me prayers of encouragement every day of that 500+ mile journey. Well friends, we now find ourselves in a like season, a time when we need opportunities to be close in spirit, through this uncharted pilgrimage of isolation.

The name of this blog is Joy in the Wilderness.

Joy, because I have already been blessed by so many encouragers, people who have reached out with love and kindness. Yes, I am called to be your Pastor, but friends your gifts sustain, empower and inspire my leadership. We don't do this solo; we are community. Together we are Church.

Wilderness, because life is hard out there. Due to the harsh realities of the wilderness, it is also a place where learning and creativity are essential. This will be a venue for me to share what I am hearing and discovery, in my own spirit and the things you trust me with.

In these last few days I have experienced a plethora of emotions ~ I have been low, nearly a heap in the corner; conversely, I have been energized by the leadership of this place as they look boldly into our future together. Nobody signed up for the current state of affairs but here we are.

Stay connected, and keep the light on.

Pastor Leah