VBS for this year:
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SUNDAY MORNING from the pastor May 18, 2003 It is a gentle, peaceful morning: overcast, a slight breeze, a rain up there hankering to be let down. As I look out my study window, the animals seem to be temporarily running this niche of the cosmos. A few birds chatter. A rabbit hops comfortably about the back yard. A squirrel shoots across a tree branch. My cat crouches in the window sill--then races to the patio door--acting like she has been ordained to run out there and catch someone. Let the animals run things for while. I should be back in bed, languidly enjoying the sounds and smells of this gracious morning with my eyes closed. But alas, on days like today, I don= t respond to the "shoulds" of nature. I respond to the "shoulds" of those artificial masters we call "clock" and "calendar." Together, clock and calendar order me to get out of bed, write my Sunday letter, and go to the church. Worship services, classes, meetings, and numerous conversations will be the order of the day. But for a moment there has been this sabbath, this freedom, this taking stock of the wonders of creation--just like the fourth commandment says. And even though I will obey the clock and calendar reluctantly, it is my prayer in this early morning, that I will please my creator this day--in all that I do--just as this relaxed and casual niche of creation in my back yard has pleased me. Along with the good cheer of nature this morning, several other things are prompting my happiness. Mindy is finishing her semester in England and will be arriving home in a week and two days. It feels good to be getting the house ready for her. And yesterday, two individuals accepted offers from the pastor parish relations committee to join the church staff. We will have more to say in worship today and in the church newsletter. But I am delighted and excited that Beth Morgan has accepted our offer to be Director of the Nursery and Marcia Burns has accepted our offer to be Director of Developing Ministries. There is much more to be said about both of these persons and their dreams for Grace Church. Finally, a reminder of some events coming up quickly. Tonight is a leadership training event (7:30) entitled, "Who is our customer?" We will watch a short video and then have time for conversation as we consider the various people that our church serves. Our leadership training in June (June 7 from 4-8 p.m. and June 8 from noon until 4) will host Bob Mushrush who will lead us in the personal strength workshop. See me today or tomorrow if you are interested. All our workshops are open to ANY interested persons. On Wednesday, all youth who are interested in this year's mission trip are to meet at the church at 6 p.m. We still need adults to go on the trip as well. If you are interested in the trip but cannot attend this meeting, be sure and let me know. --Mike |
