Dear Friends in Christ—
I spent the beginning part of this week in Atlanta, at the Candler School of Theology at Emory
University. As some of you know, I was finishing my Doctor of Ministry Program. My work
focused on trauma and preaching, and I learned a lot about what helps people deal with
traumatic experiences.
The most important thing I learned? Connection. Connection is both the primary means of
recovering from trauma, and it is the reason we heal—to be connected with one another and
with God. Trauma isolates us; it takes away our power to understand our memories or to put
them into any kind of story that can be shared. But connection heals.
I became interested in the topic of trauma long before the pandemic, but of course it has taken
on new depth and relevance. So many of us have experienced trauma. We have lost people
we love. We have felt unsafe in places that we once trusted.
But I believe we are discovering our resilience, as we re-emerge into public life, and especially
as we do so in this Easter season. And we are discovering resilience in and through connection.
I felt connection profoundly at the Easter Vigil, and again on Easter morning, as we celebrated
in our nave together. I see it when newcomers find their way to our front door—a brave act of
open-heartedness.
As you think about your own growth what healing you might need in this season, I encourage
you to think about connection. And I hope you will find that connection at Grace.
During May, our stewardship team will be launching a series of “Ministry Minutes” to highlight
different ministries of Grace. I encourage you to listen not only to hear what help is needed.
Also listen to hear where you might find meaning, purpose, and belonging. Polishing silver or
filling food pantry bags or teaching children will of course make this church stronger. But it may
also make you more whole.
This is the season of new life. I am glad we have the resources in Christ and in one another to find it.
Yours in Christ,
Anne+