A Note from Pastor Teresa: July 14, 2023

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A Note from Pastor Teresa Dear friends and members of University UMC: Last week I was in Arkansas visiting a friend. It was a nice change of scenery. One of the activities Paul and I enjoy is hiking and the trails in Arkansas (the “Natural State!”) did not disappoint. One day we hiked just over 1,000 feet high to Pinnacle Peak Mountain. It was not a long hike, but the ascent was a good challenge. The view at the top was spectacular and well worth the climb. Another day we hiked in Petit Jean State Park and the trail led to the gorgeous Cedar Falls waterfall. One fact we learned is that both parks are certified as a Trail of Tears National Historic Sites. There, in the beauty of nature, I was reminded of this horrific part of our country’s history when Cherokees were removed from their homeland by force. Yes, the experience of hiking left me with the sense my soul had been refreshed. But it also left my heart troubled by the realities of injustice. This is part of what it means to be human - at times holding two seemingly contradictory truths or experiences together.  Last week I was also reading a new book by Steven Charleston. Charleston is a member of the Choctaw Nation and a priest in the Episcopal Church, having served as bishop in Alaska. He also serves as an indigenous spiritual guide. His latest book, "Ladder to the Light: An Indigenous Elder’s Meditations on Hope and Courage," is a treasurer. At one point in the book, he writes, One of the hallmarks of my Native American tradition is the understanding that personal spirituality is never lived in isolation. We may receive a personal message from the Spirit - one unique to us - but we never imagine this connection to the sacred is intended for us alone. Throughout his book, Charleston’s conviction shines through - what and how we believe and what we experience shapes how we relate to one another and the earth. Even as I hiked, I felt the power of this truth. Finding beauty in nature is one of the ways I feel my spirit renewed, and I was grateful for the opportunity to do more hiking (and for the slightly cooler weather). Being caught up in an awe-inspiring experience can be deeply personal and satisfying, but true spirituality and real moments of awe will always lead us to consider and care for those beyond ourselves. I leave you with a couple of pictures from my hiking, one of my favorite Mary Oliver quotes and a writing by Charleston. I pray your summer is filled with moments of rest and renewal. And I am grateful for the many ways your faith calls you to act on behalf of others. What a joy to be your pastor! Teresa At the top of Pinnacle Peak Mountain Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. ― Mary Oliver Surrounded Sometimes, in this troubled world of ours, we forget love is all around us. We imagine the worst of other people and withdraw into our own shells. But try this simple test: Stand still in any crowded place and watch the people around you. Within a very short time, you will begin to see love, and you will see it over and over and over. A young mother talking to her child, a couple laughing together as they walk by, an older man holding the door for a stranger - small signs of love are everywhere. The more you look, the more you will see. Love is literally everywhere. We are surrounded by love. The instinct to care is still within us - all of us - so much so that you can see it clearly just by standing still. – Steven Charleston 2409 Guadalupe Street Austin, Texas 78705 512-478-9387 Want to change how you receive emails from us? Click here to update your preferences or unsubscribe or unsubscribe from this list