Elim Extra for September 1, 2023

Pastor’s Reflection

Slow Healing: Be Open

I’m excited to come back on Sunday! A huge thanks to the many individuals who have been serving and keeping ministry going at Elim during my absence. I am truly grateful to have been able to have this time at home with my family.

Since I have been in recovery mode following the birth of my daughter, I have been reflecting on healing and how long it takes. Truly it doesn’t happen overnight. But I believe our lives are always caught up in a gentle current of healing that comes from God. On Sunday we will learn a fun Aramaic word that means “be open.” How important is openness for our collective healing?

Worship during the next month at Elim will be based on my favorite healing stories in the gospels, reflecting wisdom from the “slow medicine” movement (based on Italy’s “slow food” movement) which advocates for a medical system that allows doctors to spend more time with patients, and people to take more time for their own healing. You have blessed me with this time during my maternity leave. Thank you.

I am also excited to welcome Ascension’s pastor Rev. Debra Jimenez into the pulpit on September 10th, as our churches swap pulpits for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday. Thank you for welcoming her for this collaboration with our local ELCA siblings. But first, I can’t wait to see you THIS Sunday!

hugs, Pastor Chelsea