“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
~Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 

It’s been a rather intense few weeks.  On Saturday and Sunday I officiated a funeral, baptism, and wedding.  This has never happened before in 11 years of ordained ministry—to have all 3 in the span of 2 days! 

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Dot’s life on Saturday and what a joy it was to baptize Essie on Sunday morning.  In between these services at our church, I was going back and forth to Westbrook for the wedding rehearsal and then the wedding of a lovely couple (officiating this wedding was a favor for a friend/colleague who is on vacation).  So it ended up being funeral, wedding rehearsal, baptism, and wedding. 

I shared this on my personal Facebook page because it was so unusual to have this happen and received a truly staggering comment from a former clergy colleague (a wonderful rabbi who served his congregation in Lexington for many years).  He shared that he once had a naming, funeral, and wedding all in one day!  So he wins, I guess.  But still! 

The events made me think of another funny quip about ministry (that was also shared with me): “hatched, matched, and dispatched.”  Yes, that is part of my “job” as clergy, to help people celebrate and mark significant moments.  For everything there is a season.  It’s true. 

Though it’s also an important aspect of life in general.  After all humans are meaning-making creatures.  People tend to love stories and rituals, and it’s good to have moments to mark the passage of time. 
To witness an outward and visible sign of the love of God. 
To make a whole-hearted commitment to another person. 
To remember a life well-lived and give thanks to God for companions who make life worth living. 
What a blessing to be in Christian community together. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash