Andi Voinovich's blog

When people talk about Jesus, what do you hear? In my circles, we spend a lot of time talking about Jesus' ministry. Jesus was a preacher, teacher, and healer. He fed the hungry, spent time with marginalized people, and challenged the powers that be, in the political and religious realms. We talk too about his death and resurrection and the grace he offers all of us.

If I was to use one word to describe Lent, I would use intentionality. In this season we are invited and encouraged to pay a little more attention, to purposefully seek the presence and guidance of God in our life. Whether that means letting go of something that distracts us, putting time away for spiritual practices, or reflecting on how we might live more in love with God and one another, this is a time of intentionality.

Chameleons are curious creatures. They have the unique ability to change color. How fascinating! Sometimes these color changes help regulate body temperature, adjust to the light, or send signals to other chameleons about their moods. Did you know this? Many of us are more familiar with their secondary use of color-changing: camouflage. When I think of chameleons it is this. I imagine they use their color-changing to blend into their surroundings. I wonder why it is that though this isn't their main reason for changing colors, it seems to be the one that we are most familiar with?

Have you ever noticed how much of life is preparing for the next step? I remember as a child being told in classrooms that what I was learning in that moment would be important for the next grade. I remember being in high school and having teachers tell us what would and wouldn't be accepted and allowed in college. Then, in college, we would sit in lecture halls while our professors would inform us of what we needed to do to be successful as we sought out jobs or journeyed on in higher education.

There are some things in life that are both terrifying and utterly appealing, as in dangerous and essential for life. Can you think of any such things? For me, one that immediately comes to mind is fire. Fire provides heat and warmth. Fire helps us cook. It lights the way when the power goes out. Fire is helpful. And also, fire can be dangerous. We've seen it recently ravage homes in Colorado and beyond.

Here we are in January at the beginning of a new year! Often in this time, people find themselves reflecting on the year that's been and considering what their hopes are for the year to come. How was your year? What do you celebrate? Is there anything you find yourself grieving? As you look at a new year, are you making resolutions? Do you have exciting plans?

Did you have an opportunity to enjoy the Christmas Cantata last week? Wow! What a treat! Whether you were present in the sanctuary or enjoyed the cantata on our YouTube channel, I hope it was as meaningful for you as it was for me. The Christmas Cantata has always been a special experience for me, but after a year without one due to the pandemic, this felt particularly special. It felt like a shift, a naming of difference, a movement towards joy in the midst of such a dreary time. I find myself now a little more in the holiday spirit.

As a clergy person, I spend a lot of time meeting new people. Whether it's in the church building or out in the community, getting to know my neighbors is a big part of what I do. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and exploring the ways we can grow in connection. As an introvert, though I truly love these connections, it takes energy to put myself out there. Believe it or not, I am a little shy and after a day full of people and meetings, there's nothing more I want to do than hide at home with a good book and my cats.

Some of the most meaningful and sacred work we do together as the Church is journeying with one another through grief and loss. These past three years we have honored the lives of many incredible human beings whose impact on us carries on even today. This Sunday is All Saints Sunday when we honor those who have died. The number of names we will be lifting up is significant. My heart aches as I read these names and feel the loss and think of what each family and friend of these beloved people are going through.

When I was in middle school, I decided it was time to try a sport and joined a softball team. The first year was so much fun! Our team wasn't the best, but I learned a lot, made friends, and grew in my skills. When I signed up to play again the next year, I assumed it would be the same. Wow, was I wrong!