For our next talk in the “Practices for Everyday Courage” series on first Sundays, we will explore the practice of “letting go.” Letting go is the quiet courage of releasing what gets in the way of being fully present for both others and ourselves. As we learn to let go, we can discover the freedom to truly live authentically.

Rev. Cheryl Flaim (she/her) is a Washington native who returned to her Pacific Northwest roots in 2022. She holds a B.A. in History from the University of Washington and a Master of Divinity from George Fox University. Cheryl has lived in Alaska, Missouri, and Washington. She served as a youth pastor and youth & family minister early in her career, and also spent nine years as a United Methodist clergyperson. In addition to her ministerial work, she spent seven years as an elementary and middle school educator and currently works in Enrollment Management at Gonzaga University. Her ministerial experience includes leading grief support groups, serving as a volunteer hospital chaplain, supporting local food banks and community organizations, and leading creative intergenerational gatherings. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys hiking and time outdoors, walks with her goldendoodle, Sitka, and is an avid reader. She believes in protecting public lands, that science is real, that healthcare is a human right, and that love is love.