We know that Mother’s Day brings mixed emotions, but we want to be intentional about welcoming everyone at our service and creating an atmosphere where all can worship and find God’s presence.
For some, Mother’s Day is full of joy. For others, it’s a mixed bag. Some in our congregation would like to have children but haven’t been able to yet. Many of our congregation members have experienced miscarriages (you aren’t alone). Many of our mothers have passed away and we are reminded of our grief on days like Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day can be a mix of emotions, but we still believe that we can celebrate the gift of Motherhood given to all women (and we will honor all women – no awkward moments in service where you feel excluded or don’t know whether you’re a part of our celebration) primarily because the virtues of Motherhood are the virtues we find perfectly modeled in our God. The Scriptures use maternal metaphors to describe God: two of the most vivid are pictures of God as a mother bird sheltering her children under her wings and God as a mother bear protecting her cubs from attacks. Particularly in Isaiah, God compares his love, compassion, and guidance to that of a human mother:
“For a long time I [God] have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant.” (Isa. 42:14)
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I [God] comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Isa. 66:13)
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I [God] will not forget you!” (Isa. 49:15)
Anytime a women embodies these loving characteristics of God, she is faithfully tapping into a mother-like role for the people around her.
All this to say, we understand how hard this day can be. We wouldn’t blame you if you think you might have to stay home this year.
But we do hope you’ll be able to find comfort and hope no matter your circumstance and we do want you to know that if you can find the grace to join us you will be honored as an amazing woman made in God’s image.