I love this because I am a literal quilter who has dealt with some big losses this last year - the death of my mom on Sunday being at the top of the list - and spending a little bit of time quilting by hand each day is saving my life - up and down up and down - breathe in and out - in and out. Putting together all these little pieces to make something beautiful has been a kind of a prayer and is a long term act of hope.
Also a quilter. Quilting (& my quilting friends) has seen me through some hard times. But equally, through some of the best times! Something therapeutic about fabric cut up & put together again.
Wonderful news! I wish we could come to New York, but we will be chasing the eclipse down here in Texas that weekend.
Maybe because I am deeply involved in grandmothering, I immediately thought of the book Stone Soup when you were writing about the communal patchwork quilt. Sometimes we really are better together… and our labor is not in vain.
Let me be that stranger to say that your labor is definitely not in vain. Your words uplift me and give me what I need to carry on in this crazy post-COVID world. Congratulations on your ordination. The church needs more people like you. Hugs and prayers for you as you move forward into life as an ordained member of the body of Christ.
Congratulations, Jeff, on your ordination. I remember reading your words those many years ago when you were waiting. I am a lifetime member of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) and somewhat familiar with the process. I have been to several ordination services and delighted in teachers, mentors, family, and friends who came to bless and celebrate the one being ordained. I pray your service is full of love and joy. May your “ordainable” position, too, be a blessing to those you serve and to you.
The song is beautiful, and so is your writing and your heart. I am so very happy for your upcoming ordination! It may yet to be "official", but you have been leading us and pastoring us on this spiritual journey all along.
I love this because I am a literal quilter who has dealt with some big losses this last year - the death of my mom on Sunday being at the top of the list - and spending a little bit of time quilting by hand each day is saving my life - up and down up and down - breathe in and out - in and out. Putting together all these little pieces to make something beautiful has been a kind of a prayer and is a long term act of hope.
Oh my dear, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. Hugs and prayers to you in this difficult time.
Also a quilter. Quilting (& my quilting friends) has seen me through some hard times. But equally, through some of the best times! Something therapeutic about fabric cut up & put together again.
Ursula, you have my prayers and my condolences. I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry for your loss. May her memory always be a blessing.
Having hoped and prayed for your ordination your words have brought me to tears. Hallelujah. Now may you rest in peace for just a bit
And additionally the porters gate song is lifesaving for me i have loved it for years
Beautiful song - thanks for sharing.
And congrats on the (almost!) end of one journey - and the beginning of another.
"I am with you..."
As always, thanks for your pastoral words in these dark days, soon-to-be Reverand Chu. (Yay!) Cngratulatuons!
Your words and ministry are life-giving and lifesaving to me.
Congratulations on your ordination!
The world is a better place because you are in it.
Wonderful news! I wish we could come to New York, but we will be chasing the eclipse down here in Texas that weekend.
Maybe because I am deeply involved in grandmothering, I immediately thought of the book Stone Soup when you were writing about the communal patchwork quilt. Sometimes we really are better together… and our labor is not in vain.
Let me be that stranger to say that your labor is definitely not in vain. Your words uplift me and give me what I need to carry on in this crazy post-COVID world. Congratulations on your ordination. The church needs more people like you. Hugs and prayers for you as you move forward into life as an ordained member of the body of Christ.
What is saving my life right now? You, the people in this community, and others who point me to hope. To love.
And my dog Roxy. ☺️
Congratulations on your ordination, Jeff. I am thrilled for you.
An ordination date! My heart leaps for joy with you at this news. This is bringing me joy today.
So happy to hear that the day of your ordination is coming soon! Blessings.
When I feel helpless in the face of global tragedy- I make chicken soup and take it to sick friends
Spiritual direction.
Thank you, Jeff, for giving us the information for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. I donated today.
Congratulations, Jeff, on your ordination. I remember reading your words those many years ago when you were waiting. I am a lifetime member of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) and somewhat familiar with the process. I have been to several ordination services and delighted in teachers, mentors, family, and friends who came to bless and celebrate the one being ordained. I pray your service is full of love and joy. May your “ordainable” position, too, be a blessing to those you serve and to you.
Absolutely. I keep thinking about the Sting quote that says 'men go crazy in congregations. They only get better one by one.'
The song is beautiful, and so is your writing and your heart. I am so very happy for your upcoming ordination! It may yet to be "official", but you have been leading us and pastoring us on this spiritual journey all along.