Dear ,

If I asked you today, what would you tell me about your need for silence?

In this week’s episode, I ask Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow about the thread of silence that runs through his “faith montage.” Bruce’s new book Everything Good about God is True, is his exploration of faith. And although he is a Presbyterian minister, and his tradition is big on words, he has also found the necessity of silence.

In our brief conversation (5 min) for today’s episode, Bruce shares why he could not have paid attention to silence at earlier stages of his faith or ministry leadership. This observation is yet another good reminder that the practice of ministry grows and changes with time.

What kind of silence do you need? 

As much as I'm an extrovert and as much as I love talk things out and process them aloud, my need for silence is profound. What about you? Let's clarify. I don't need to be silenced. And I'm not interested in being shut out with silence from situations where I need information.

What silence do I need? 

Contemplative prayer without words or images. Simple presence of the holy. I am grateful for solitary stillness. And I also love shared silence. (Something I lead most days at the Writing Table.) Carefully tended silence in worship is deeply nourishing. And moving through the unbuilt world is a relief from the noise that fills so much of our planet. The easy quiet of companionship is a balm.

Particularly when I'm in a season of loss, lament, or grief, silence is part of the remedy I crave. What kind of silence do you need? 

If you need some of the healing balm of silence during this Advent season, I hope you will join me, Erin Robinson Hall, nova sturrup, Kyndall Rothaus, Bruce Reyes-Chow, and others on December 22 for the Longest Night gathering. We look forward to welcoming you!

Warmly,
Eileen
 

+++++++++++++

The Longest Night 

How can we respond to seasons of great challenge and difficulty? We can gather with other people of faith to attend to our losses and griefs. 

We hope you’ll save the date of Sunday, December 22. (Register below.) We will gather virtually for the longest night of winter for songs, prayers and space to breathe. Bring whatever you are carrying these days.

+++++++++++++

We are adding new episodes to the 3MMM Podcast channel. Start at the beginning or 

catch up on the latest 3MMM Podcast!  

+++++++++++++

Want to know more about the Writing Table? 

We are writing in community, helping each other build better habits, and getting our writing done.

Want to be on the FreeWrite Friday List? Get writing inspiration weekly, and join us any Friday morning to write in community! Happy to welcome you!

I'm so delighted to be part of a gathering of wise women.

We are speaking in a series of "micro-retreats." My topic is "vocational grief" something I know hits a nerve right now.
Register for the January 9 online event.

The Women's Work Series is sponsored by 

Columbia Theological Seminary.

+++++++++++++

I believe that your work matters, , and I believe you matter. Please let me know how I can support you!