Newsletter Thoughts February 14, 2026

Greetings and Aloha from the hills of O’ahu on this Valentine’s Day.

May you feel deeply loved and held by God.May you call to your heart a feeling of love and care that compels you to act on behalf of yourself and all creation to flourish now and always.

I am 3 days into a 4 day training here in Hawaii, giving organizing tools and community to a

diverse range of churches, non-profits, community health care workers, and students. Today we

spent 90 minutes hearing sacred stories from one another about what pains and yearnings we

bring to this space, and to whom we are accountable as we seek to make the world a more

equitable, compassionate space. At the end, I led us in sacred song to ground into our bodies.

We sang the song "Carry This All” by Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely. I share these lyrics with you as

you prepare for your congregational meeting tomorrow.

You do not carry this all alone,

No, you do not carry this all alone.

This is way too big for you to carry all your own so,

you do not carry this all alone.

We are blessed to be full of possibilities, capabilities, and dedication at ALC Burbank. May each

of you feel girded and inspired this weekend to powerfully act in the congregations, on

committees, and service leadership opportunities to go and grow together. The best is yet to be.

I look forward to journeying along with you.

In Love and Solidarity,

Minister Chelsea