Scott's Weekly Greeting, April 28, 2020

Author: Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 28, 2020

On Sunday evening, I sat in my favorite chair and reflected upon the day. The feeling that filled my heart was gratitude. It had been a full day. It began, as Sunday does, with worship. Once again, the sanctuary was not packed with people, the parking lot was empty, but the worship service was full of the Spirit! The special music offered by members of a virtual choir soothed any aching soul. 'Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound' ... indeed! And we do live in a Wonderful World! I was so grateful for Jacqui, Lee, Delany, Sarah and Denise for offering such beautiful and uplifting music! Those music selections were just what we needed to hear and feel as we gathered in the Presence of God. I am also deeply grateful for the work of the Media Team behind the scenes. They enable us to share our worship services with our sequestered church family ... and the world!

I will admit that the middle of the day was not nearly as meaningful. I raked soggy old leaves. Enough said.

But the day ended on a high note! Two dozen members of the church family gathered for an online coffee hour on Sunday evening. What a blessing to spend time in fellowship! I asked the gathered a question, "Where have you found inspiration during this time of crisis?" People shared stories of community service, neighbors helping neighbors. We heard about school children raising and donating money, musicians sharing their gifts, people sewing masks, friends buying groceries, time spent with family. We laughed together and even shed a tear or two; we lingered with one another not really wanting to say 'goodbye.' It was a beautiful gift to share those moments with them. 

It can be very easy to focus upon the negative when one is going through times such as these. It can be tempting to focus upon everything that one is missing, and miss noticing all of the blessings that are still there.

People of faith know that our God is a blessing God. We know that we are blessed by God's Presence and care all the days of our lives. We can feel the ways of God's love and compassion. These blessings fill our hearts with joy and peace. They enable us to sit in prayer at the end of the day and feel the warmth of gratitude.

On Sunday morning, we will hear some of the most beautiful and comforting words in all of scripture, the Twenty-third Psalm. Through word and music we will thank God for the abundant life that we have received. I hope that you will join us at 10:00 AM for the live-stream of our worship service.

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