Just breathe. I have heard that term used when people get upset, anxious, or a
ry. Just breathe. Take a moment to be aware of where you are, how you feel, and what “buttons” are being pushed within you before you simply react. We know that fear and anger are powerful emotions that can shut down certain parts of our brain (the more complex, thinking parts). When faced with danger, our “reptilian” brains go into fight, flight, or freeze mode. Those responses do not serve us well when we, as communities of faith, are addressing complex and challenging issues. Taking a moment to breathe helps center and balance us and gives us a broader perspective so that we can listen, discern, and then act in ways that move beyond survival to the abundant life God desires for all.
Just breathe. The theme of our synod assembly, “Spirit Breathed; Spirit Blown” reminds us that every breath we take is actually the Spirit (the wind, the breath – all the same word in Greek and Hebrew) of God, who centers us in Christ’s love and fills us with wisdom, courage and compassion, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. Open to the Spirit blowing in and around us, we will engage with one another in worship, Bible study, prayer, and conversations, knowing the Spirit is blowing within and around us. We will be electing individuals to help lead us and attend the 2025 churchwide assembly. We will be discussing and voting on the budget as well as resolutions, including a resolution to become a Reconciling in Christ synod.
Just breathe. We know that when we share our various perspectives and then make decisions, there will be differences among us. These differences can provoke anxiety or discomfort, even causing some to feel that they are being excluded because their view or decision may not be what the majority decides is the right thing to do. It will be tempting to react, put up our guard, shut down, and stop listening.
I am inviting us to resist that temptation and breathe, just breathe. Breathe in the Spirit and trust the unity we share in Christ. Breathe with the Spirit so that we can listen and talk with one another in honest, respectful, and caring ways. Breathe together as we seek to discern the work of the Spirit among us.
There will be opportunities for conversation before the assembly giving us time and space for discernment of the resolution to become a reconciling in Christ synod and affirm a welcome statement. Can We Talk about This is the invitation to talk and listen, to explore and wrestle, to ask questions, and to give our perspectives.
Bishop Susan Candea
Please join the Central States Synod in offering prayers of thanksgiving for those celebrating milestone anniversaries. . .
Rev. Joshua Brecht, 10 years, May 3, 2014
Rev. Delvin Strecker, 15 years, April 26, 2009
Rev. David Carlson, 30 years, April 24, 1994Deacon Diane Wagner, 30 years. May 1, 1994
Rev. Cynthia Schnaath, 35 years, May 7, 1989
