Dear Ones,

On this Thanksgiving day, I am grateful. 

I’m grateful to be serving this Fellowship.
I’m grateful to be with my dear spouse. 
I’m grateful that our grown children are all relatively well. 
I’m grateful to have adequate food, and sound shelter. 
I’m grateful that our country seems to be moving toward a peaceful transfer of power.

I’m also concerned.
I’m concerned for the health and well-being of family and friends living in states where the COVID-19 numbers are close to ten times what they are here in South Carolina.
I’m concerned for the health and well-being of us here in Beaufort, where the numbers are rising; especially as we move into the time of year when more tourists arrive.
I’m concerned for our members and friends, who are weary of living with semi-quarantine, face masks, grocery and restaurant curbside pick-ups, and other restrictions on our lives.

And, I’m hopeful.
I’m hopeful that we will find the resilience to “keep on keepin’ on,” as we used to say.
I’m hopeful that we will continue to find joy and purpose in our days, and share that joy with others.
I’m hopeful that the new year will be better than this one has been.

Thank you for being here, for being part of this Fellowship, and for staying connected! I love you. We will get through this. Keep breathing and stay safe, everyone.

Blessings,
Rev. Lori Hlaban