Pastor’s Corner – August 6, 2023

Dear Beloved,

What makes your heart, body, and soul feel heavy?

Lately there has been a lot of heaviness in my heart as I hear or see about hurts in our local and global communities:  the number of unhoused people including many teens and young adults, people experiencing serious health concerns, continued war, continued violence near and far, the condition of the world’s air and water, the number of people of all ages experiencing trauma….

What do you do when your heart, body, and soul feel heavy?

I am grateful that Jesus teaches us to turn to the Maker of the heavens and the earth.  Maybe we go to a deserted room.  Maybe we turn on praise music and sing at the top of our lungs.  Maybe we write down all the blessings for which can thank God.  Maybe we reach out to a prayer partner.  Maybe we listen to or feel the sounds of creation.  Maybe we pause and breathe in God’s Spirit.

All of these possibilities are helpful to me.  In this moment, I want to pause and express my thanks to God for the ways God’s Spirit is working in and through you.

 Thank you to everyone who made VBS a fun and special week!

Thank you to everyone who brought items for the Little Timmy project!

Thank you to everyone who brings items for the Weekenders Sacks and the little blue community food box.

Thank you to everyone who prays.

Thank you to everyone who participates in virtual or in-person worship,

Thank you to everyone who serves on a ministry team.

Thank you to everyone who serves on the Council of Ministries.

Thank you to our music ministry staff and their teams.

Thank you to Heidi and Pastor Marc.

Thank you to our artists.

Thank you to the behind-the-scenes cleaners, yard keepers, and communion preparers.

Thank you to those who help with breakfasts and lunch and learns.

Thank you to those who lead or help with Treasure Seekers, Middle School and High School Ministries, and Revive and Thrive.

Thank you to those who lead or participate in book groups or small groups.

Thank you for all those have served in the past and those who will serve in the future which is in your hands, O God our Rock and Redeemer!

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”             Philippians 4:6