SUNDAY MORNING

from the pastor

February 2, 2003

It is a few minutes after 6:30 a.m. and the outdoors is pastel and patchy. The sky is streaked and blended in gentle hues of pink and baby blue. And on the ground, patches of ground appear through the waning snow cover. I don't see any wildlife outdoors yet, but in my study the cat is fighting with a potted tree as I write.

As I look at the sky this morning, I am haunted by the specter--TV images--of yesterday's shuttle explosion. There were millions of deaths on earth yesterday--almost all failed to be network newsworthy. But death in the sky unsettles us in unique ways. In myth and theology, the sky is heaven--abode of God--source of blessing and mercy. In romance, the sky is gift of peace and joy--sinking deep into the soul. In everyday life, the sky is the source of hope, beckoning us to a "beyondness" that lifts our spirits through troubled times. In imagination, the sky is the place of adventure and vulnerability. And when there is death in the sky, we are instinctively and intimately connected. And our hearts are heavy. And our minds form prayers for the lost and their loved ones.

My own daughter--Mindy--was in the sky just a few days ago. She flew from Chicago to Manchester England Monday night/Tuesday morning to spend this semester at Hull University. The negatives so far have included a lost plane ticket, a bad cold her first week there, and slow adjustment to English cooking. The positives include meeting new friends, being enchanted with the country, and enjoying her new "flat." I thank all of you for the prayers you have been offering for her safe travel and for her new adventure.

It was a great day around the church yesterday as we celebrated the wedding of Morgan King and Michael Bullard. The wedding was simple and beautiful and it was a true joy for many people who have known Morgan and Michael since they were little to be able to witness this ceremony marking the beginning of this new life for them. After presiding over this wedding, Jill, mother of the bride, indicated that it was almost a breeze compared to being the worship coordinator around the church during Holy Week.

At least two of our members have spent some time in the hospital this week. Genelle Ingram has been treated for both a heart condition and an ulcer. She is doing much better than she was at the first of the week. We are delighted to see that she has some of her spunk back. Ray Dipple has also been hospitalized with some complications and our hearts and prayers have been going out to him and Ann through this difficult time.

We continue to provide ways at Grace Church to touch people's lives with God's blessings. Tonight is a special concert featuring Southern Gospel Music. Our first concert last month was both fun and inspiring. We also are in the midst of forming small groups--Faith quest groups--people who are looking for more depth in both friendships and faith. Let me know if you would like to be a part of one--or would just like more information. --Mike

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