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.
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