This summer, we’re launching a new series: Practicing Our Faith. This series will highlight voices from within our community, sharing how each of us embodies spiritual practices in everyday life. Spiritual Practices are concrete activities to engage in to open ourselves to the transforming presence of God, and Embodiment Sundays will offer guided ways to step into the practice together. Embodiment Sunday guides are available on the digital newsletter. Sign up by scanning the QR code at the back table.

Gratitude is more than a response to good circumstances; it is a way of seeing and being that helps us hold sorrow and goodness together, trusting that God is present even here. As a spiritual practice, gratitude slows us down, helping us notice glimmers of hope without denying pain or injustice.

Jenna Jandik is a former first-grade teacher, current substitute teacher, and child mindfulness educator. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Cody. They met coaching soccer and continue to spend many hours on the soccer field cheering on their two sons. Jenna is a southeast Cedar Rapids native and enjoys being outside, creating at the ceramic studio, and loving on her people.