We’ve all heard that old saying,” April showers bring May flowers”
and some years it seems to be true. But we’re only now at the
beginning of the month of April – so how can we know for certain
if there will be showers or flowers? We just have to trust that nature
will provide and enjoy the benefits when they come. Sometimes, I think that this is the way it is with trusting God. We have plenty of proof that God will provide good things for us; protect us from harm; preserve what is best about our lives. And we have faith that he will do so all the time – no matter what.
We are so blessed that God loves us this much – that God will do anything and everything possible to keep us safe and happy and healthy. And even so, we must also realize that God is not alone in these efforts - because we are in a relationship with God, we are called to work with him in all that he is doing for us. That means that we must take care of our bodies – get plenty of rest and exercise, eat good food, make sure we get our annual physical and vaccinations and follow up on whatever is needed so that we can get the most out of our physical health and meet God as strong and well-nourished as we can be.
This is also why it is important for us to feed the hungry, help shelter and clothe the needy, and provide basic health care for those who cannot afford it on their own. God gives us what we need so that we can give to others what they need. This is important – it’s who we are!
It also means that we have to take care of our mental and spiritual selves as well. That means lots of positive thinking and reading materials that affirm us and show kindness toward ourselves. It includes taking time out of our busy lives to pray for ourselves and others; to meditate on good things; to breathe deeply and let go of the stress and strain of life. Don’t carry around that negative stuff – just let it go. Life is too short to carry old wounds and burdens. Move on and be happy.
Let this month of April be a time for you to wash away all your cares and worries and troubles in the showers that are sure to come. Make room for the flowers of love and compassion and kindness bloom in your hearts and in your thoughts and actions. It’s a beautiful world that God has made for us. Let’s honor his blessings by becoming a blessing to ourselves and all those whom we meet along our way. After all, this is the Easter Season and we are Easter People – brand new people. Let’s go forth and be the best new creations God has ever made.
Love, Pastor Susan
She was ordained in the United Church of Christ at her home church, St. John's UCC in Lansdale, PA on January 9th, 1994 in the middle of a winter weather event of snow and ice. That storm didn't stop their celebration that day - and she hasn't stopped serving in the ministry since then – no matter what. We like that about her - and you will too when you get to know her.
Pastor Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development from Florida State University; a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary; and a Master of Arts
degree in Pastoral Counseling from Moravian Theological Seminary.
And she completed her certification as a Reiki Master in 2013 – the same year she came to our church. She's also participated in specialized training through the United Church of Christ to serve as an intentional interim minister to churches while they are in transition from one settled pastor to the next.
Early in her thirty year career as an ordained minister, it became her calling to assist churches during these times of transition, taking her to twelve different settings in local churches, as well as chaplaincy positions in nursing home facilities. She'll tell you that she “has seen it all, heard it all, been through it all” with the people she's met – and even so, she still likes people and loves working with them in ministry settings.
That love is what brought her here to St. Vincent UCC – her “lucky number 13” setting as she likes to call it. When she arrived, it was to serve as a temporary supply pastor while we were in transition. But, we liked each other so much, we decided to just stay together on a permanent basis. In April, 2018, Rev. Hanson was installed as our settled pastor.
Our pastor believes that ministry is something we all do when we strive to be like Jesus and follow his ways. Her job, as she sees it, is to help all of us be the heart and hands and voice of Jesus in our own time and place and in our own way – so that we will do good; make a positive difference; and leave the world a better place for us having been here. She says, “That's the way real ministry happens – one gracious thought, one good word, one act of kindness - one moment at a time”.
Susan and her husband, Doug, who is also an ordained pastor at St. Peter's Pikeland UCC, live in Chester Springs. They have three grown children – their daughter Laurabeth and son Eric live in the local area. Their daughter Lindsay and her husband Charlie live in Alabama where they're raising the two grandchildren of whom Pastor Susan will be happy to show you pictures and tell you how wonderful they are – just like any other proud grandparent.
Come, join us – and meet our pastor. If you are looking for a worship experience which makes you feel good for having been here – then, come and meet us. We worship together every Sunday to share the spirit, the light, and the love of Jesus and become empowered to take it with us when we go back out into the world in which we live and for whom our ministry really matters.
Copyright © 20
Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion
Scripture = Matthew 18: 15-20
“Bind Us Together With Love” 23 St. Vincent United Church of Christ - All Rights Reserved.