This year has challenged us in so many ways – fear, devastation, distrust and anger. Our hearts and minds are nearly overwhelmed as we’ve watched lives change dramatically and perceptions of what is real and normal shift. Even the spiritual practices we often rely upon were challenged as we disrupted church life to do no harm.
But, as people of faith, we still follow the star toward a manger in Bethlehem, where God’s love was born into our world through Jesus. We listen to the angels sing this – the world is to be a place where love lives.
In shared expectation, we present the poem “With Us,” written by retired United Methodist pastor Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, specially commissioned by the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area for the Where Love Lives campaign of the Western Jurisdiction. Alaska Conference Superintendent, Rev. Carlo Rapanut, lends his vocal talents to the project and the Rev. David Valera, Director of Connectional Ministries for the Pacific Northwest Conference, brings his audio/visual gifts to this project.
Feel free to watch it here, download it for use in an online worship service this season, or share it on social media.
Download a PDF of the poem here.
May it bless you in these days with little light, and remind us all that love is near!
The Greater Northwest Area Communications Team
Rev. Jim Doepken, Alaska Conference
Patrick Scriven, Pacific Northwest Conference
Kristen Caldwell, Oregon-Idaho Conference