SUNDAY MORNING

from the pastor

May 26, 2002

It is a beautiful, crisp, spring morning. The sun chases away darkness these days, and nights are briefer. Outside colors are already in place when I get out of bed. A deep blue sky frames brilliant green trees. And on this day, a chill in the air causes me to pause and warm my hands on a hot cup of coffee. Which is better, to drink it or hold it?

One of the joys of this past week was having both daughters at home for 36 hours or so. After the Bible study on Thursday night, the three of us went out to a Mexican Restaurant. But then we decided to save money and cook in on Friday. So all three of us went to the grocery store on Friday afternoon. I had forgotten that when three people go to a grocery store together, they don’t save money. But we did enjoy eating at home and playing several board games during the time we had together.

Mindy and I decided we would take up tennis this week. Exercise, get in shape, quality time between father and daughter--all that. It has been about 20 years since I last played the game. It’s strange what we do for exercise: play for 45 minutes and then can’t move for two days. I think I’ve gotten less exercise since I’ve started exercising than I’ve gotten in a month. And as for father-daughter quality time--there is a definite correlation between growling and sore muscles. But--we’ll try it again next month.

We’re beginning to get into the summer swing around the church. One important announcement that we need people to pass around: WE’RE NOT CANCELING CHURCH THIS SUMMER! While the summer does increase our opportunities for recreation and travel, the change of pace also increases our opportunities to deepen our faith and our time with each other in the church. We will be having several special activities through the summer to enrich our fellowship and our spirituality. While many people will be gone from weekend to weekend, I urge you to make extra efforts to participate in our congregation in other ways.

Contrary to ‘talk,’ summer is not a slump time in the church for either attendance or money. Some of our best months last year were during the summer. I have noticed this for a number of years. SO REMEMBER, THE SUMMER SLUMP IS CANCELED--DUE TO LACK OF APATHY.

News from the past week includes the youth auction and potluck Sunday night (they made more than $900) and the planting of the corn on Thursday, finally. The church softball team is organizing--see Todd Searing or call the church office if you want to play--men or women. The children’s musical is next Sunday evening at 6 p.m. We have a dozen or so kids who have been working on this and we hope they will be well supported by the congregation for their performance. This is the week for registrations to be completed for the youth mission trip to North Carolina. And finally, thanks to Norma Ripkey for the altar display today commemorating Memorial Day. --Mike

Archive of sermons and letters

Back to Grace Home Page