A Word from Pastor Hannah

Containing monthly newsletter articles and other communications and reflections.

Sabbath Rest
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Sabbath Rest

The inheritance of the Protestant work ethic makes it difficult for many in our families, communities or country to find value in rest and yet, Sabbath rest is integral to the relationship God has with humankind.

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The Tenacity of Hope
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

The Tenacity of Hope

Hope has been coming up around me a lot of late. In my reading, both vocational and personal, in my conversations with friends and colleagues. Hope is sometimes a difficult emotion, value or characteristic to define.

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Why Lutheran?
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Why Lutheran?

Have you ever been in church and asked, “I wonder why we do that?” or “Why does Pastor Hannah do that?” or “This is different than other churches.”

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God on the Go!
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

God on the Go!

Earlier this Summer, Ron Kyllo pulled me aside after church saying, “Do you remember that one seed in a bag you gave us last year?” “Yes” I replied, the mustard seed.” He then proceeded to tell me that he had actually planted that single seed and now has a beautiful plant growing in his raised garden.

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A Moving Spirit…
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

A Moving Spirit…

Minneola, I just want to take a minute and say THANK YOU! It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside such a congregation as this and as we move into the summer months when we see less of each other, I pray we remember the many ways God shows up in the midst of this body of Christ.

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Summer Stewardship
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Summer Stewardship

Dear Minneola Faith Family,

Our summer schedule will be here before we know it and as it approaches, it’s important to remember the reality of our faith community’s financial situation.

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A New Life in Christ
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

A New Life in Christ

Jesus Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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Practicing Holy Conversation
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Practicing Holy Conversation

Our Lenten learning this year is less a study and more a practice. We are learning TO DO something during our Wednesday evening gatherings that is difficult, awkward, and uncomfortable. We are practicing how to have holy conversations about difficult topics.

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Standing at the Cross this Lent
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Standing at the Cross this Lent

As we stare down these first two weeks of February we will be bombarded with the deep reds and bright pinks of St. Valentine’s Day.

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Remembering the Sabbath
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Remembering the Sabbath

From the commandments given to us at Mount Sinai, to Psalm 23 when the Lord, “makes us rest beside still waters” to Jesus’ leaving the crowds to go and pray, God’s longing for rest for all creation is demonstrated again and again and again.

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Jesse’s Tree Revealed
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Jesse’s Tree Revealed

Advent is upon us and as always, our community will have the opportunity to reflect, dwell and prepare for the Christmas season as we wait for the birth of Christ together.

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Growing Gratitude
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Growing Gratitude

It is a bit of a cliché to talk about gratitude during the month of November, but cliché or not, I find the annual rhythm of pausing and reflecting on what I am thankful for a helpful discipline in a social landscape…

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A Faith Story. . . as shared by Jeff Post
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

A Faith Story. . . as shared by Jeff Post

As most of you know, I have chosen a career field that is based on taking care of people – healthcare. I have worked in various areas of the field over the years – EMT, 911 Dispatcher, Paramedic, Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner…

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Sharing “Finn & The Bell”
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Sharing “Finn & The Bell”

Picture used from Finn and the Bell - Rumble Strip original posting.

https://www.rumblestripvermont.com/episodes/422

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Reawakening in the Spirit
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Reawakening in the Spirit

People of Minneola, thank you. Thank you for trusting God, yourselves, and the call to sabbath that led to our shared Sabbatical Season. In the coming months the lessons, sorrows and joys

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An Intentional Advent (again)
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

An Intentional Advent (again)

Here’s a flashback to December 2018…Every year as Thanksgiving ends and Advent begins, I have the best of intentions. I promise myself, this year will be different and I recently ran across a Facebook post that beautifully articulated my annual Advent resolution.

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Year End Council Reflection
Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon

Year End Council Reflection

It is with thanksgiving and expectation we, your 2022 Council, write this month. Fall has brought many to worship, with our attendance averaging close to 40 each week.

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