Our next sermon in the Practices for Everyday Courage series explores the spiritual practice of living with discomfort. In a world that urges us to fix, numb, or avoid what feels hard, we’ll reflect on what it means to stay present with uncertainty, tension, and unease, and how doing so can become a source of growth, empathy, and courage in everyday life. 

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.