Dear Friends,

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if hearing from God clearly came very easily to everyone? All the time?  That we knew right away the right decision to make?  But we have to clear our heads and hearts to discern the answer to a problem, particularly a big one.  Thomas Merton lived in a small shed cut off from the world seeking God’s guidance.  Buddhist Monks meditate for hours to discern truth.  As Quakers we are to listen for the leading of God, but do we?  We like to think we make rational decisions.

Joe and I like to binge-watch some television shows at the end of long days.  It  is great to have something mind-numbing particularly if the day has been stressful.  We’ve watched the series called Irrational about a professor that helps solve crimes based on what humans really do, because we humans are not rational beings.  We like to think we are, but how much do we sit with our decisions.  How much do we depend on logical reasons?  How much do we wait on that still small voice of God? Faith itself isn’t always logical, even though I believe that the Creator created science and all the factors and laws of physics. Faith is generally based on what is logical or rational, sound knowledge.  But sometimes we have to take that step in the direction that feels like the right thing to do, but not knowing why and not knowing what to expect as an outcome.  There are some ways to hedge our bets when faith calls us to step out without knowing the outcome for certain. We can think about it being a “February decision.”

This is the season of love.  1 Corinthians 13 says that love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud. Can we measure all of our decisions by these attributes? Is it_____________ (fill the blank in with patient, kind, envious, proud)? Sit with your decisions about life, discern, but always check to see if your process and the outcome might be one of love.  The scripture in Corinthians goes on to tell us that love never dishonors anyone.  It’s not about the self.  It’s not about vengeance.  It won’t be about a lie.  It won’t be throwing up to someone the mistakes they have made. It will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere.  So that leaves out the right choice ever being an ultimatum, a quick fix, vengeful, or something mischievous or devious.  In this season of love when we are thinking about decisions we have to make, can we measure them for their ability to conduct love? It will be longer lasting if we do, because love never fails.  If you want long term solutions, think on love, and listen.  It might be in the breeze or tucked deeply in the silence, but there is a still small voice that will lead you to the right choice.  That voice is Love.

There are some things that need your discernment and prayer; our church needs your prayers.  We had a Listening Circle last week and what came from the circle was so nourishing, loving and hopeful. Prayerful.  So we need to keep praying on these things. There were many different affirmations of Klamath Falls Friends Church: that as a Quaker organization it is not based on guilt or shame or even sin, but based on the belief of God in everyone and in every religion. Equality of all individuals in the church and in society was noted.  Belonging meant being a part of a larger movement and having our SPICES to help guide us; that we are a loving family of friends that nourishes those who attend, connected with our area in social justice, caring and spiritually connected to one another and our community. Someone said that it was a home for the soul, that it was open-hearted, hopeful and healing, and that its consistency of always being there and always showing up created stability and grounding. But something that stands out is that we come to everything and every problem with love, so it is inclusive, safe, and affirming. Someone said, “It is a place to pause and breathe.” How like discernment with Love.

There are some practical things you can keep in prayer and things that might be easy for you to do or donate.  We need an old vacuum cleaner that has deep suction ability.  We do not want to repair anyone’s cleaner, but if you have an extra, we are open for that.

We need a new co-treasurer for the church.  Maureen has been our rock we have leaned on for more than a decade as church treasurer, and she is retiring from her work and from volunteer work that she has been doing with us.  If you are honest, dependable, and like accounting, we have a need for you. Pray on it.  It can be something to discern.

If you haven’t turned in your pledge letter, now is the time.  Please mail them back as soon as possible.  Our 2026 budget has been passed with hopes that you will step up and lovingly honor Spirit with donations.

Speaking of dependable, my email is not all that dependable.  If you email me, and you haven’t heard from me in 24 hours, text me and I will go searching for the email.  You can always call me as well.  My cell number is 541-363-6885.

This Saturday we will be joining with others to celebrate wanting a loving government and caring society.  We will be at a rally on February 14 from noon until 2 on the corner of Washburn and Sixth St. South.  Bring posters that encourage compassion and caring for people in our country.

There are a lot of things coming up in March.  One is a special treat.   Brion Pinkerton will be bringing the message on Sunday, March 8.  Come and be supportive of him and hear a wonderful message that is uplifting and kind, because that is who and what he is about.

I know that cold or flu has been going around as well as COVID.  I pray you are all well or healing.  Let’s be kind to our Friends and keep our hands washed during this particularly “outbreak ridden” time. Sometimes the things we do to show we care are just simple things like that.

Peace,

Leigh