Dear friends, On February 18, a dozen members and friends gathered in a circle in the sanctuary for our Ash Wednesday service. We reflected on the biblical story of the prophet Elijah and the unnamed widow of Zarepheth – two people from different contexts who were hungry, tired, and despairing. We named the reality […]
Pastor
The following is an extract from Pastor Debbie's most recent annual report. Current posts by Debbie appear at the bottom of this page.
As our grace at a recent dinner with friends, each of us shared something we are grateful for and something for which we hope. “I am grateful,” I began, “that almost every day I get to do something that makes a difference. I hope that somehow all our individual efforts can come together to make a bigger difference.”
It was the first thought that came to mind. In the days that followed, I realized how much my gratitude and hope emerge from being part of Edwards Church. Through our church, I get to do things that make the world a better place—in small ways and large. Through our church, I find hope that all our individual efforts really can come together to transform and heal our world.
From the time I started as pastor here, almost 22 years ago, I have known that what we do as a church matters deeply—to the individuals who are part of the church, to the wider community, and to our world. This past year, it has felt especially true. We need Edwards Church. The city of Framingham needs Edwards Church. The world needs Edwards Church. In this troubled and divided world, Edwards Church offers sanctuary, healing and comfort, opportunities to live out our passion and compassion, and new models for being church.
There are so many reasons to be grateful and hopeful. I am grateful for the sanctuary we offer, and hopeful for the ways we will continue to widen the circle. I am grateful for all the ways we offer comfort and healing, and hopeful that God’s healing spirit works through and beyond us. I am grateful for the opportunities we have to make a difference, and hopeful that we can find new ways to work together with other communities. I am grateful for our openness to new ways, and hopeful that we can be a model to inspire others.
I am grateful for each person in our congregation: for our gifted and dedicated staff, for our officers and board and committee and team members, for people who usher and greet and welcome and bake, for people who crochet and drive and pray and sing. I am hopeful that in the coming year we will deepen our faithfulness, our caring for one another, and our compassion and passion for justice.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Deborah L. Clark
We Need Nourishment
Dear friends, I am so grateful for this congregation. I am grateful for your tender hearts that feel the pain of our neighbors and our world, and for your toughness in showing up to ease that pain in difficult circumstances. I am grateful for your dedication to the work of healing, justice and compassion, […]
We Celebrate Epiphany!
Dear friends, By the first weekend in January, the decorations have begun to come down, dried-up Christmas trees are on the front curb awaiting trash pick-up, and the post-Christmas sale rush is over. Just when we think things are getting back to normal, it’s time for another joyous celebration! On Sunday, January 4, we celebrate […]
Be Not Afraid
Dear friends, Here’s my favorite Bible Trivia question: What command is given more often than any other in the Bible? It’s not “Serve God.” It’s not “Love your neighbor.” It’s “Be not afraid.” God says it to Abraham and Sarah as they set off on a journey to a new land and a […]
Choose Hope
Dear friends, “Hey, how about this one?” Kyle Shepherd turned his computer around. Fran Bogle, Clair Ball and I were intrigued: how could Kyle create a meme just like that? Our different generations were showing! The meme depicted a superhighway with an exit curving off to the right. The sign on the overpass […]
October at Edwards – It’s all about food!
Dear friends, This fall, our worship centers around the theme, “Living the Kin-dom.” We began with the first words Jesus spoke in his ministry: “The kingdom [realm, kin-dom] of God has come near.” In a time when the kingdom of Caesar seemed all powerful, Jesus’ words were dramatic and dangerous. He called the people […]
25th Anniversary of Open and Affirming
Dear friends, Twenty-five years ago, in 2000, our church made a decision that has shaped who we are today. After a year of study and reflection, we voted unanimously to be Open and Affirming. We developed a statement (found in our bulletin every Sunday) to proclaim that we seek to welcome and affirm people […]
I Am in Awe…
Dear friends, I am in awe. I am in awe of the people in our congregation who have leapt into the brand-new Climate Hope Affiliate of Metrowest Project (CHAMP) with both feet – writing Letters to the Editor, calling friends in swing states, and building connections with legislative staffers. I am in awe of […]
The Story of Pentacost
Dear friends, Pentecost is one of my favorite Christian holidays. It is dramatic, bold, colorful and fun. It speaks truths we need to hear. It inspires courage and challenges us to trust that we are never alone. The story of Pentecost begins with Jesus’ disciples hiding away in a locked room. They were […]
Nurturing Hope
Dear friends, Hope is alive! With trumpet and tuba, flowers and blessing eggs, we boldly proclaimed our Easter faith. Christ has risen. Love is more powerful than hatred, fear and even death. In a time when it is easy to feel overwhelmed by hopelessness, we celebrate that hope is a gift from God. […]