Dear Church Family,
               Anna Jarvis did not know what she unleashed when more than a century ago she proposed a day honoring mothers.  She began the tradition of honoring her mother by presenting carnations to her church, which continues in many churches.  Eventually Woodrow Wilson made Mothers’ Day  a national holiday. 
               However, apparently Jarvis  was disappointed that it became such a commercial bonanza.  It is estimated that 84% of Americans will celebrate in some way this year, with 113 million cards being purchased and $3.2 billion being spent for flowers, a figure which went up during the pandemic.  
               Perhaps it’s inevitable that noble ideas get co-opted by monetary interests. Beyond that, like most important things in life, motherhood is complex.  94% of moms express feeling stressed, at least part of the time.  Sometimes we have multifaceted relationships with mothers.  For some women, who have desired but not had children, or who perhaps have lost children, Mother’s Day can be difficult.   So while this is a day to give thanks for our mothers and celebrate the gifts of parenting, but it is also a day to draw  this important relationship into the realm  of God’s love, where gratitude, grace, and even healing can all take place.  For our church it will be an opportunity to give thanks for all the women in our midst, and the glorious gifts God has given them.   
               Worship Sunday will focus on “Personal Peace and Beyond.”  The texts are Acts 17:22-31 and John 14:23-29. 
See you in church.
Rich