March 2026

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18:20

Peace to you all! I hope this finds you well and in a contemplative spirit.

In February, Rebecca and I took a much-needed vacation, and like true millennials with no children, we went to Disneyland. It was a delightful time filled with childlike wonder, many sweet treats, and very sore feet when we were done. It was also a good time of joy before moving into Lent, much like our own Mardi Gras without the humidity of New Orleans.

As you may recall, I warned people that I would be out of the office that week, although I hadn’t said what we would be doing. I appreciate the respect and restraint you all had not contacting me during my time away.

I was surprised to receive a call from one of our community: Faith Harper. Given the health issues she has had in the past, I answered, fearing the worst, but was pleasantly surprised to discover she was calling me because she had seen me walking past the Haunted Mansion. She and Tom were also in Disneyland with their grandchildren!

Rebecca and I hurried over to the Jungle Cruise to wait for them to get off the ride. It was such a wonderful, unexpected delight to run into them in a place already packed with joy, and it reminded me that, as Jesus says to his disciples, he is found wherever we are gathered together.

During Lent, we take time on Wednesdays to gather for food and fellowship. During our Lenten devotion times this year, we are focusing on spiritual disciplines, the fifth of which is celebration. Yes, celebration itself can be a discipline, especially when we take time to celebrate the small joys that come out way, like encountering those we hold dear “in the wild.” I thank God for giving Rebecca and me the moment to celebrate as we enjoyed life.

That’s all for now!

Blessings,

Pastor Rob