Dear Friends

Greetings, Friends of God,

The end of the church year is here, The Reign of Christ is with us. This Sunday, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Sunday as I reflect upon Matthew 6:25-33. In this text Jesus tells the disciples (us), “…do not worry.”

In these times it is easy to lose sleep over the events of the world. I have been known to bolt from a restless slumber, yelling various things, and being calmed back to sleep with a gentle touch of the hand from my partner. And then there are those nights, when sleep is completely elusive. And Jesus asks, ” And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”

Well, can you? The answer is no. Medical studies have shown us the numerous negative short- and long-term side effects of anxiety on the body, mind, and spirit.

I invite you to join me in giving thanks. Jackie Trombley tells us, “An attitude of gratitude makes space for grace.”

In advance of Sunday, I invite you to join me at the online San Mateo County Transgender Day of Remembrance commemoration noted below. Not only can we be a presence of solidarity in mourning, we can also be a presence of gratitude and celebration of our siblings whose lives were taken away too soon due to fear-and-hate-related violence. Island United is also a sponsor of the ceremony.

With gratitude for your presence,
Rev. Michael Cronin