Desert Notes August 1, 2024

This weekend John and I celebrate 16 years of marriage. For both of us, this is a second marriage–one which we came to wiser because of what we learned the first time around. We never expected John to already be teaching this early when we got married in 2008, but it has happened. So while we both have to work on our actual anniversary, August 2, I’ll be off this weekend as a result. I hope you enjoy the hymn singing service led by Noell and Mary!

We had 160 participants in our multi-gen service last weekend, and created a beautiful piece of art together while we celebrated faith formation, thanked Kelsie and said goodbye. Some of you donated towards a VISA gift card I sent home with her. THANKS for your contributions of many kinds–for bringing food (Jenny Casillas Lopercio, Joanne Smith, Teri McGovern Nintzel, Deidre Mears, Bethany Bastert, Amanda Schneider, Tesha Hensley-Brown), for bringing your family, for those who helped welcome newcomers, for all the other ways you were and are practicing generosity with each other. Blessing our kids as they enter a new school year and reminding our kids and their families that we are committed to being an anchor for them is a sacred act. It’s important to me as a minister and a mom. As we enter this program year, I am looking for ways to deepen our connections and to make sure we are bridging the gaps between us. I am still planning for the year and scheduling, working with volunteers and leaders to cultivate new ideas. I love hearing from you and I’ve scheduled some different ways to hold conversations. I hope to see more of you!

~Rev. Sarah