A Note from Senior Pastor, Rev. Kenneth S. Waclo


Crossing the finish line is the goal anytime we undertake something. I think all of us are wired in some way to complete a task placed before us. As we get older and wiser, we realize some tasks won't be completed the way we want them to. Some tasks we simply can't complete at all, which will challenge us to assess what happened, so we can apply what we learned the next time.

Journeys are like that. We began our Lenten journey way back on Valentine's Day. We worshiped that night and each of us made a commitment to our personal journey. We didn't know how it would go, but the journey was before us, and we committed to go…together.

As I reflect on our journey for Lent, we wrapped up hosting members of our homeless community and we stood beside some of our church members who have lost loved ones. As we enter March, we have events planned for fellowship, we will reach out in concern and service to our community, and we will make additional plans to support missions beyond our community. In other words, March will see us complete our journey to the empty tomb, and cross the starting line of a Season of Easter which will carry us into more opportunities to serve.

Time moves quickly, and the needs seem ever increasing. And this brings me back to a marathon or a half marathon. There are some people who can sprint them. But for me, the challenge is not to get caught up in the cheers and excitement. For me, I need a steady pace and the ability to focus on what I am doing and how I feel along the way. For thirteen miles, water stops are important, sometimes I need a slower pace. Sometimes I feel like speeding up, and that is when I need to remember it's a long journey. So even during a half marathon, a 10K, 5K, or laps around the church parking lot, we have to listen to our body and our minds. We need to take care of ourselves so we can keep moving into the next season God is calling us to.

You hear me talk about self care a lot lately. I suppose it's because I am aware of how terrible I am at it. But I am trying to get better at taking time away. Easing off the pace and sometimes even coming to a stop and asking God to heal me. We all have moments like that. And self-care is getting to a place to say "I matter!" Maybe giving ourselves grace is a good place to start. Remember we are all in this together, and I believe Chestnut is a family that cares like no other. So let's encourage one another. Let's keep an eye on our family around us on the course, and let's have the courage to say, "Hey friend, I think you need a break. Can I pray with you?" When we do these things, we not only enjoy the beauty of the journey, we cross finish lines together. And that is the beauty of the season!

Grace to You!
Pastor Ken