January 2021
January has been yet another full month for the Companions--all of us! Shane and Elizabeth began with a pause--a five day silent retreat. They agree that beginning the day after Shane ends leading one isn't a good idea to repeat! And that finding a way to go elsewhere (ie. not at home) would be good, too. Here's just some of the news for us:
Annie continues to serve as a hospice chaplain, and at a local parish. She is also exploring some writings on Intuitive Eating.
Dario has been co-facilitating a series of Sunday encounters on the theological foundations of justice with Kaitlin Reese, a Covenant Group member. They co-chair the Diocese of Nebraska's Task Force for Balancing the Scales of Justice.
Diane is preparing to begin painting a new icon, The Virgin Mary Oranta (aka Our Lady of the Sign). It is an icon of Mary with her arms raised in prayer.
Ernesto said a heartfelt goodbye to the church he was serving as interim pastor, is beginning as Senior Pastor at another. He continues to read The Book of Concord. Pray for Ernesto, for Susan, his wife, and for both churches.
Elizabeth has been gathering up thoughts and reflections on Companions' community life. Notes have been piling up since her Sabbatical this summer! She is also participating in a local journal writing group which is using the process suggested in Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad.
Joy is practicing her fire-building skills as she and her partner hike in the Adirondacks (BBBBRRRRRR, I say). She is "falling in love with the sacred beauty of the snowy earth. She is also doing the 30 day Minimalist Challenge, giving away unused belongings--one on day one, two on day two, etc. It is another way that she is living out the second love of our Covenant--love of the earth.
Lauren made a new recipe that greatly pleased her: chicken orzo soup with fennel. She says it isn't a time for a great deal of focused reading, but it sounds like cooking is feeding her soul!
Shane led the New Years' Recovery Retreat--a Holy Cross online offering. She is spending lots of time hiking and walking in our "low tick presence" season. Shane continues to write, write, write new chapters, and is looking for publishers of her memoir.