The crocuses and daffodils are bursting with color and the trees are beginning to bud, bringing hope and beauty, and some gratitude. I was driving from Schenectady to Oriskany Falls (up by Utica) today and found myself overflowing with gratitude–for rolling hills, green fields, and children playing morning hopscotch, riding their bikes before noon, and holding their parent’s hand while going for a leisurely midday stroll.

This extended pause we’re in certainly has stressful and scary parts, but there is also an element of peace for those of us fortunate enough to be healthy. Seeing folks enjoying time to play and time to ponder, time to be and time to sit, and time to breathe. My hope today is that we make it through this required pause healthy and with the ability to continue making and enjoying time to pause.

If you “attended” the cluster service or if you watch it, you’ll notice several children and youth lighting a variety of unique chalices. Does your family have a chalice? Do you need or want another one? If so, I invite you to participate in the Chalice Challenge. If you make or have made a chalice of your own, I encourage you to post it to the Families and Friends church Facebook page; if you need help with this, just let me know. Here’s the link to the challenge:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v9JPR8AOD8&fbclid=IwAR1qvCYy_KDH0y5w_3zw9SYKFfrqgQRAYbAEXuQr1Q_wx-nOJ7ugfVn7uzM   I’d love to see everyone’s chalices!

Anybody (young or young at heart) up for a good book?!?! Join me on Friday at noon and we’ll begin reading The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster! I’ll post a Zoom link to Facebook soon.

Coming of Age Youth will be meeting online on Friday, 4/10, at 3 pm, and Sr Youth will be meeting Sunday, 4/12, at 11:45. Can’t wait to see you all!

For those who celebrate Passover or Easter, blessings, love, and good health to all.

Remember to wash your hands, and please stay healthy and safe!