Subject: How do we begin again?

Dear Hot Metal Community,


We continue our Lenten journey with the question, "How do we begin again?" Here's a poem with that same title by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed, to center you this week as we ponder this question together. 


Do we slide into something new?
Do we make a formal announcement? Dearest reader,
I have decided to begin again. Do we turn gradually, a gentle yield
in a new direction; or like a wave,
do we crash onto the shore of a new day?
Do we grieve the change? Are there breadcrumbs on the path?
Will Nicodemus be there?
Will it ever be easy?
I’m not sure exactly how we begin again,
but I know that moths wrap themselves in silk,
and after quite some time,
after many long nights,
after days spent alone,
they break out of their shell.
They pull themselves out under open sky,
and they spend the rest of their days chasing the light.
Maybe it’s always that way with beginnings.
Maybe it feels like the protective layer falling away.
Maybe we have to go it alone at first.
Maybe it feels like pulling and dragging yourself into something new.
Maybe there’s always open sky at the other end.


For a Lenten practice, perhaps you could write your own poem a describing what beginning again feels, looks, sounds, and smells like. Include many sensory details. Where is God in the process? Where do you find hope?


In Christ's peace,

Pastor Erin


Spring Work Day and Community Fridge Installation! - Saturday, April 1st 10am-2pm

We'll be partnering with Pitt's "Be a Good Neighbor Day" and hosting a group of Pitt undergrads to help build a shed for our new community fridge, in addition to some spring landscaping and clean-up! All are welcome to join in for the fun and build relationships rooted in service! All skill levels are welcomed and needed! Contact Pastor Erin or Dylan Rooke for more information! 


Hot Metal Worship: NOW WITH COFFEE - Sign up to be a Coffee Host

NEW YEAR DATES AVAILABLE NOW
Help us create a space for community, connection, and caffeine on Sunday mornings! Coffee Hosts will show up around 9:30am to make the coffee, set up the coffee station, and greet people as they arrive for worship. After worship, they clean up and wash mugs. Instructions are available and Pastor Erin is around for troubleshooting! Providing goodies is always appreciated, but optional! Sign up here. 


Compassion Team's Listening Season - February 19-April 9

The Compassion Team (and friends) will lead us in a Lent-long “Listening Season.” Sign Up for a 1-to-1 conversation with a team member, and share your story, passion, and heart. We have a goal of listening to 66 people! By hearing all our stories, we’ll be able to discern together where the next chapter of Hot Metal is going to go! 


Lenten Nurturing Group - Tuesdays at 7:30p

We'll be discussing "Spiritual Direction" by Henri Nouwen and tackling some BIG QUESTIONS for Lent! Spiritual Direction is a book of collected works from Henri Nouwen, curated by some of the students who knew him best. Offering gentle guidance and wisdom, this book attempts to give wise advice on how to live a deep spiritual life in connection with others. Some of the questions it explores are: Where do I begin? Who am I? Who is God for me? Where do I belong? This book is ideal for anyone who is looking to engage deeper in their faith - whether you are in a place of deconstruction, reconstruction, or anywhere in between - we hope you'll join us! This will be mainly led and facilitated by Nathan Rosswog! Yay!!! Join us using the Sunday Worship Zoom Link!


Order your book from the library, local bookstore, or here. Or email Pastor Erin if you need it ordered for you!


SAVE THE DATES - Holy Week! 

Sunday, April 2 - Palm Sunday - NO WORSHIP AT HOT METAL Join us and our friends at the National Black Presbyterian Caucus-Pittsburgh Chapter for our annual Unity Service at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (I'll send graphic) 

Friday, April 7 - Good Friday - Worship at 7pm

Sunday, April 9 - Easter Sunday - Worship at 10:30am


Sunday Zoom Meeting // 10:30am:
https://zoom.us/j/789826837
Meeting ID: 789 826 837
Password: 031714

Wednesday Zoom Meeting // 1:00pm:
https://zoom.us/j/685174111
Meeting ID: 685 174 111
Password: 000513

Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community
Weekly Worship Gathering Sundays at 10:30am
2700 Jane St. | Pittsburgh, PA 15203 | 412-481-4010
hotmetal@hotmetalbridge.com | www.hotmetalbridge.com


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