Hello friends,
I think it is safe to say that human beings like to be part of a
family. Being part of a family means we look out for one another.
We encourage one another. When one member of the family achieves a goal,
we celebrate. When someone is hurt, we rally around and offer
comfort. We are connected in ways beyond words. The ties go deep.
Families are formed by biology, but groups of friends can also become
family. Our co-workers become a family team. Our church is a
family. I think of my hometown as a kind of family, and I think us Iowans
like to think of ourselves as family. When I was traveling in London, I
ran into a couple from Iowa—and it was like connecting with family. I
don’t think it is a stretch to think of the entire United States as having a
family feeling. I remember 911 and the day of John Kennedy’s funeral and
the day our astronauts walked on the moon and these were events shared by a
family.
Families dance at one another’s weddings, cuddle one another’s babies,
celebrate (sometimes obnoxiously!) at graduations. Family members
squabble, but we also find security in one another’s company. In our
families, we learn important lessons on how to share. I grew up in a
house with one bathroom and two parents and three children. We shared out
of necessity. If one member of the family is treated unfairly, we close
ranks around them. And if one is hospitalized, we wait anxiously for
updates. If that person dies, we stand beside the casket, and we cry
together.
And, in our way, we pray together giving thanks for family.
And families, when they need to, adapt. A new baby arrives and we make
room. Grandpa is hard of hearing so we talk louder. Uncle Bill and his
family move to Arizona for a new job and we call and zoom and visit when we can
to maintain the connection.
Right now, if we think of our family, all our families from our close
biological bunch to the big family that is our country, how are we doing?
The Iowa-nice answer is fine. And you know, we are doing fine, all
things considered. We are keeping our communities running, we are looking
out after each other, and we can be proud of how hard we work.
We also know we are not all fine. Our family is facing a
pandemic. The young families in our communities are scrambling
to care for their children and work and follow the daily changes in their
workplaces and schools. Our health care workers are working
overtime. And our elderly are vulnerable to the worst of this pandemic
crisis. Things are rough in the family right now.
Next week is Thanksgiving, which has traditionally been a family
event. But because we are family, we know that we have to do what is best
for the family. This year, we adapt. What does that mean at your
house? What is the best thing to do?
On Sunday evening at 4:30 (note: this is a change of time), our
church family in partnership with the Des Moines Register, will ring the bell
and read the names of more than 300 people who have died due to covid.
The event will be live-streamed on our Facebook page and the Register’s.
As a family, we want to remember and honor the more than 2,000 people in the
“Iowa Family” who have died. But as a family, we also know we need to do all we
can to keep each other safe. So here’s the irony. Unless you are
part of the event, don’t come. I encourage you to stay home and watch online.
As much as we would like to gather, it is not the best thing for our
family.
I believe the family was originally God’s idea. One person was created
to be a helpmate to the other. Two sons were born to that first
couple. The sons fought. That’s family too. The family grew
into a tribe. And the tribe wandered. They sometimes betrayed one another
and sometimes saved each other’s lives. And they spent lots of time
waiting and wandering in the desert. And through it all, they seemed to
intuitively know that they were connected, the well being of one impacted the
well being of the entire family.
If you are a part of WDMUMC, you’re family. Keep in touch. We
want to help one another. We are far from perfect, but we try to do what we
can. If you are just encountering WDMUMC, you are just family we haven’t
met yet. Welcome! We have one parent who wants us to be whole and
healthy and at peace. One day we will dance together again and we will
celebrate and we will all be at one table together. For now, we need to do what
is best for the family. The one who created us wants us to do that.
Blessings,
Pastor Cindy
Pastor Cindy Hickman
West Des Moines United Methodist Church
720 Grand Ave
West Des Moines Iowa 50265
515-279-0826
Like us on Facebook or visit us at wdmumc.org. We worship on-line posted at 9:30 on Sunday
mornings and available all week long. And did you know you can invite
all your Facebook friends to worship with you? Simply share the link to
the wdmumc Facebook page on your Facebook page. Invite others to be part
of the family!
This week at WDMUMC!
Worship! This week we will finish our sermon series
“Bridges.” There are big divisions in our country. Can we reconcile
our division?
Sunday School! Our children are zooming through
Sunday school. Contact Pastor Trevor or reply to this email if you would
like to be part of the fun.
Memorial Service for the More than 2000 People Who Have Died in
Iowa Due to Covid Watch on-line at 4:30 on Sunday evening as
WDMUMC and the Des Moines Register partner to share a memorial service.
We have lost a lot and we grieve together.
Thanksgiving Day Worship Service At 9:30 on Thanksgiving Day,
we will post a worship service that has been created by our Bishop and
team. (The children’s time is hilarious!) We can still give thanks
on Thanksgiving Day! You will find it on our Facebook page.
Luminaries! Our Midweek Refuel Team is selling
luminaries as a way to raise funds for the hunger ministry. You will find
a link on our website, wdmumc.org.
Advent Begins on November 29! Christmas is on
the way!
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I give thanks for our church family.
