from the pastor

Mike's letters from Sundays past...

August 31, 2003

The first creatures to draw my attention this morning were squirrels. There is an oak tree outside my bedroom window. And as I leaned on the window sill (just a step beyond my bed), I watched three squirrels work. They had no idea it was Sunday, the Lord’s Day, the Sabbath. They just knew that there were acorns to gather off a quiet Sunday morning street.

It’s what the Department of Labor would refer to as seasonal work: this gathering of acorns. Nut gathering is the most reputable of all the work squirrels do. They are customarily found in life’s shadier vocations: theft (usually bird seed), vandalism (often caused by turning someone else’s home into their own), and the most suspect of all reputations—the entertainment industry—usually specializing in chase scenes.

In addition to the squirrels outside, I am also giving considerable attention to the cat inside: her initiative—not mine. Perhaps she knows that I haven’t written to you about her now for about six weeks—and she wants to make sure I include her in this letter. In addition to jumping on both me and the computer, she also seems determined to stare at her reflection in my cup of coffee. I’ve already had to skim a couple cat hairs off the top before I can take a sip.

I’ve opened all my windows and all my doors this morning. The sky is gently overcast. The intense summer heat of the past week has passed. A faint touch of autumn is in the air. My mind grasps that schools have started. And I sense that we are on the cusp of something new—a new season, a new adventure, a new set of mercies from God.

One of the reasons I am extra happy this weekend is that I finally have the cast off my arm and the pin out of my hand. As I look back on the past five weeks, I am grateful for the therapeutic teasing I got from most of you, the empathetic cards and prayers, and the occasional assistance (usually in writing things down for me). And now that my hand is better, I would like for my daughter to give me my checkbook back.

I am happy to give you a brief update on how we are doing in raising funds for our Grace Vision. As you know, the vision includes evangelistic work among retired persons (Grace Years) and children and young adults (Grace Street). It also includes some building renovations. So far, 53 individuals and families have pledged or contributed over $16,000 (for between now and December 31) toward our efforts. I still hope to hear from another 20-30 families. I think we are doing great.

Finally, the sermon series for September will be on God’s call. How do we know when God wants us to do something? Does God have a purpose for each of us? Grace and peace to you.

--Mike