We’re including my other church, Epworth UMC, too, and it could be a great time not only to see old friends but also to meet some of our fellow Christians and build relationships with them, too. Please let Kay Fowler know if you’re coming at (412) 860-3335. Paper goods, dessert, and a hot grill will be provided; just bring yourselves, something to grill if you like, and a side dish to share.
And as you organize yourselves for the new season, think about how you’re going to incorporate church into your rhythm. We as individuals are part of what the church is, for sure—but meeting together is also part of our call. When we come together, we dedicate a short moment of time (only an hour in a whole week) to remind ourselves of Whose we are. We remind ourselves of the center of our being—which isn’t us. We spend a little time in a rhythm that reminds us of our God and our scriptures, and we think about how we as the church live and what we believe—and that we ourselves are part of the conversation that helps all of us to be shaped as Christians, loving and being loved, nudging and being nudged, speaking and listening.
I look forward to seeing you at church!
Becky
Prayer
Generous and Holy God,
Let us take a few more moments to savor the gifts of summer:
Time away, time together, garden time, lazy time.
Summer is a good reminder
That the world does not turn on our work.
Even in the garden I see
That while I can help and I can tend,
I am not actually the one making the plants grow
Or the blackberry canes produce,
Or the dahlias and daylilies flower.
These everyday miracles are under your control, not mine.
The rain comes from the sky because you set it up, not me.
The sun shines on plants that make food by your gift, not mine.
Let the rest that we take or have taken this summer
Remind us of the gift of Sabbath, of resting
And of taking time to notice
Not only our place in the universe,
But you,
Who while you keep the planets spinning
And the entire universe growing outward,
Also take time to provide pollen for the bees,
And tomatoes and corn for us,
And sand to warm our toes,
And also rest—
The pleasure of breathing in and out,
The joy of celebration,
The moments of savoring.
We thank you, God. Amen.