“See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness…”—Isaiah 43:19
A few weeks ago, I found myself in the Arizona desert for a conference retreat. At 110 degrees, dry, and relentless, the heat was oppressive. And yet, I was surprisingly refreshed. Hugs from colleagues I hadn’t seen in years, stories of how God is still moving in their lives, and shared laughter reminded me of the deep well of connection that sustains this calling. Even in the desert, there are moments of spiritual renewal.
During the retreat, my colleagues and I were invited to notice the succulents growing around the retreat center. Some were small and tucked away while others were bold, tall, and impossible to miss. Each one stood firm in the heat, thriving in harsh conditions. We were reminded that succulents survive because they’ve learned to store water, conserve energy, and bloom in their own time.
As I reflected, I thought of us here at ELPC. We, too, are learning to thrive in uncertain terrain and uncertain times. We stretch toward the light. We hold onto hope. We gather to protect what is sacred. With God’s help, we aren’t just surviving in an unjust world. We’re blooming as well.
My time away reminded me how much I treasure the community we’re building here in Pittsburgh and beyond. We speak spiritual truth and life and good news to a world that desperately needs it. How refreshing it is to be with people who face the hard questions and hold fast to God’s grace, even in seasons when we feel parched!
This month, we get to extend God’s grace and welcome to Rev. Jessica McClure Archer, the new General Minister of the Pittsburgh Presbytery. She will join us in worship on Sunday, August 17, and help give witness to the new thing God is doing in our midst.
Blessings,
—Pastor Michael