Dear Church Family,
One of my greatest blessings I have while serving as your pastor is watching you transform. Through our conversations and powers of observation I witness regeneration of heart, mind, and body. A year ago Annie Tracey walked into our church for the first time. I met her at the door of the sanctuary and she appeared timid and frightened. I saw in her eyes that she had a story...a big story and she was searching for an outlet to plug into. She returned the next week with a friend, perhaps she wanted another opinion that we were okay and our ministry was a safe place to be.
Annie timidly began attending Sunday morning worship, and then quietly came to Love Yourself Group on Tuesday evenings, and then more assuredly attended Classic Unity on Thursday's, and then began volunteering in the kitchen, in the garden, for events, and in one year's time she has found ties to most of our ministries and activities. She has shared stories of her past; like all of us having her share of what appeared as heartbreak. Annie doesn't hold on to the pain - at least not now. She may have before coming to Unity. But those around her witnessed transformation in Annie's presence, mind, body and heart. When she talks her body appears to dance as she shifts her posture. The weight of her words suggest that everything has been considered before it is uttered. But most of all her spirit emanates joy, life, love and gratitude.
Yes, it is Annie's gratitude for life that touches me dearly. In any given conversation she will share what she notices and it is always done in the spirit of gratitude. Many times we share what we notice...many times it is NOT done in gratitude.
All of this is a build up to share that Annie's family has requested that she come and live near them in Phoenix. And because of the inner work and transformation she has done with us, she is ready to move and is doing so next week. This Sunday we will honor and thank her for all of the ways she has served our ministry. But we also give thanks to Source for sending Annie into our church family and allowing Spirit to work through her as each of us witnessed the unfolding of God in her.
We also affirm the blessings and healing that is coming through this opportunity for her and her family. We know God is at work in their lives allowing this time to know and experience the Annie that we know and experience. Please be here this Sunday as we honor Annie and offer thanks the blessings we all share.
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert