R&R... &R

Last Sunday, I preached about how the first week of the second Trump administration was both terrible and terrifying. The second week is shaping up to be just as bad, though we are seeing some wins for democracy begin to break through. And yet, there are still challenges that churches need to prepare for as Trump and the New Right implement their vision for America, as outlined in Project 2025.

And while we are reacting to the challenges each executive order brings; we are still called to proactively seek the future God is calling us into. More than ever, we are being called to become a Resurrecting Church in the face of this attempt to drag the country into some strange version of a "technotopia" that mimics the so-called “good old days,” when "men were men, women were women", and “Heritage Americans” (a new euphemism for WASPs) were in charge.

I could write about this for days, and I am seriously considering starting a Substack to do just that. But today, I want to share my plans for February so you can follow my journey—both in terms of where I'll be and the research I’ll be doing to help us with our Resurrecting Church project.

Where's Robin?

On February 4th, I leave for Maine, where I’ll spend a week with family—catching up with my kids, siblings, and parents and enjoying our unique blend of shenanigans. There will be ice fishing, bonfires, cribbage, and naps—a true New England winter reset. I will also worship with my childhood church, First Congregational UCC in Camden, Maine.

On February 11th, I travel to Woodstock, CT, where I’ll visit Rev. Kevin Downer at First Congregational UCC. This is the first stop in my exploration of congregations that have been recommended as doing innovative work in renewal. They are communities on their own Resurrecting Journey.

From there, I’ll head to Essex, CT, for a few days with my best friend. While there, I will visit Rev. Todd Yonkman at First Congregational in Old Saybrook, CT. (This congregation was organized in 1636!) If I can arrange it, I also hope to connect with Rev. Erica Wimber Avena, a longtime friend and transitional pastor, who brings deep insight into the current state of the church in Connecticut and beyond.

From there, I travel north to Springfield, MA, where I will visit Rev. Lindsey Peterson at South Congregational UCC. Then, I head to Northampton, MA, to meet with Rev. Chris Mereschuk, a seminary classmate and the Legacy Church Consultant for the Southern New England Conference of the UCC. Chris specializes in transitional ministries and has recommended several of the congregations I’ll be visiting.

From Northampton, I head back east to Boston, where I’ll spend a few days with a friend—who has graciously agreed to accompany me to a few more church visits. The first stop will be Hadwen Park UCC in Worcester, MA, where another seminary classmate, Rev. Judy Hanlon, is the senior pastor. Hadwen Park has been leading a Trans Refugee Ministry since 2008—focusing on international refugees. Their model could provide valuable insight as we consider developing an intra-U.S. Trans refugee ministry of our own.

On February 16th, I will complete my New England tour with a visit to the United Church of Walpole, MA, a UCC congregation that has worked with the Church Building and Loan Fund on their resurrection process. I hope to share a meal with Rev. Anna Flowers after worship and confirmation.

On February 17th, I fly south to Florida for a few days of sun, cribbage with my brother and sister-in-law, and visits to churches in the Fort Myers area. The UCC churches in Naples and Sanibel are still recovering from the impact of recent hurricanes. Seeing how their own resurrections are unfolding will be both informative and inspiring.

From there, I plan to head west—hopefully to Bisbee, AZ—for a few days of R&R at 5,000 feet. Some family friends winter there, and I am looking forward to exploring the mountains in this gem of a town.

Finally, I will return to the PNW on February 25th or 26th and spend the last few days of the month visiting churches in Washington and Oregon that are engaging in creative renewal.

Why does this matter.

My journey is, in part, a time of much-needed rest. But it is also an intentional opportunity to witness and learn from congregations that are ahead of us (a little or a lot) in their own resurrection journeys.

It is a reminder that we are not alone in our work. Churches across the country—small and large, urban and rural, progressive and traditional—are reimagining what it means to be faithful communities in a changing world. Some are experimenting with new forms of worship. Others are transforming their buildings into hubs of justice and service. Many are learning to let go of what no longer serves to embrace what is emerging.

I go on this journey with open eyes and an open heart, eager to gather wisdom and bring it back to our own work of renewal. I will be gathering lots of data - pictures, insights, and inspirations. Look for reflections when I get back. And if I do launch that Substack, you’ll be the first to know!

Thank you again and I'll see you in March.

Pastor Robin,

A Grateful Wanderer