June 23, 2024 Newsletter

Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good,
for God’s mercy endures forever.

~Psalm 107:1

Pastor’s Thoughts:

For many, church attendance is a cornerstone of their weekly routine. It is a time for hope, grace, fellowship, and a connection with God and with others. But if you’ve ever wondered, “What is in it for me? Why should I go to worship?” and have considered stepping back, you are not alone. In fact, the perception of regular worship has shifted from “every week” to “twice a month” in recent years.

So, why the shift? Perhaps negative experiences or the demands of life have taken precedence. While worship offers fellowship, teaching, and much-needed spiritual rest, I believe there are deeper reasons for followers of Jesus to engage with the church and its community.

“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of one another.” Romans 12:4-5 (NRSV)

When I get up in the morning, my daily tasks begin. I have never looked down and noticed my arms are still in bed, unwilling to join the rest of me. That is because they are connected to me. They are a part of me and go where my body goes. Though my arms function individually, they find purpose and protection in the rest of the body, as does a Christian in the Church. Each church is made up of many unique individuals, all of whom are connected through Christ. Just like a hand has no purpose or ability unless it is connected to the body, a person finds spiritual purpose and connection in a community of faith. Stepping away from a faith community can introduce isolation and vulnerability.

“In Christ, the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you are also built together spiritually in the Spirit into a dwelling place for God.” Ephesians 2:21-22 (NRSV)

Christians have been taught that Jesus lives in our hearts; however, the full expression of God’s dwelling can only happen among other believers, within the Church. In the Old Testament, God’s presence lived in the temple. Only certain priests could experience God’s presence, and only at a defined time of the year. In the New Testament, God’s presence lives in those who follow Jesus and is always available. But Jesus’ presence is most fully experienced and understood, not in our personal quiet time, but when two or more believers come together. God’s presence brings rest, freedom, grace, mercy, love, and justice. All of these are in high demand in our stressful, conflict and violence-ridden world. By being a part of a congregation, we connect together with God’s presence and we go forth to spread the Good News of God in Jesus Christ to that same world. To be sure, the Church hasn’t always done this well, but it is still God’s intention for us as the followers of Jesus. When a person steps away from church or from people, they begin to distance themselves from the fullness of God’s presence.

Being at Grace for worship (and other opportunities) means more than simply participating in a social gathering. The Church is God’s vehicle for witnessing to God’s grace and love. The more we can attend worship and engage with the people who are also part of our faith family, the more we are filled and can go forth and be disciples.

In Christ,

Pastor Brenda

The Readings for Sunday June 23, 2024

Job 38:1-11

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Mark 4:35-41

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

2024

JULY 8^TH – 12^TH

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

3 YRS – ADULT

Each fun night will begin with a light supper together.

The ADULTS will attend a fun Bible Study with Pastor Brenda.

The KIDS will dive into exploring BREAKER ROCK BEACH – and learn about God’s rock-solid truth in a world of shifting sands.

Everyone will meet up again later in the evening for crafts,

games, music, and worship!

Our final night of VBS will be an outdoor ‘bonfire” where we will roast hotdogs, have s’mores, play games, and “sing around the campfire”!

Make sure you mark your calendars!

Keep watching for more updates and ways to register!

All are welcome to join in the fun!

Please join us – Sunday Fellowship Time

In Fellowship Hall

June 23 – Mary Schneider and Cindy Wood

June 30 – Pot Luck

Whatever prayer forms you. Choose to use, do not try to pray for everything and everyone each time you pray. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and to help shape your time in conversation with God.

Jesus Prayer:

A prayer form that developed out of the desire to know what it means to “pray without ceasing” is known as the Jesus Prayer. This prayer focuses on breathing while repeating the phrase “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a Sinner”. This is also called Breath Prayer. After reading these instructions, begin by making your body comfortable and focusing on your breathing. As you breathe in, say silently to yourself, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God…” As you breathe out, say, “Have mercy on me, a Sinner…” Repeat this over and over again. Other short scripture verses may also be used for this type of praying. Try Philippians 4:13…… As you breathe in, say silently to yourself, “I can do all things….” As you breathe out, say, “Who gives me strength…” As you do, you should feel a sense of peace and a sense of God’s presence. If you practice this frequently, it will become an ongoing prayer linking each breath with the next.

Focusing prayer:

Light (and fire) has always been an image associated with God. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush; the Israelites were led by a pillar of fire; Jesus – the Light of the world – told followers to come to the light; at the time of the Transfiguration, Jesus shone with a brilliant light; the Holy Spirit came upon the believers in the form of fire.

Focusing on a light source can help to focus our minds and draw us into conversation. Or (prayer) with God.

Focus on a candle and its flame. As you gaze at it, allow your mind to contemplate the power and warmth of God’s love. How might that power and warmth transform you? Inspire you?? Illumine you?

Potluck Following 10:30 a.m. Service and Congregational Meeting June 30

A potluck will be held following the Contemporary Service and Congregational Meeting on June 30. Hot dogs will be provided. Salads, sides, and desserts are needed to complete the meal. Please come join your friends and family at this opportunity for summer fellowship!

Here are the highlights of the June 11 Council meeting for the newsletter:

The following Council members were elected as officers:

Secretary – Gretchen Hiatt

Vice President of Ministries – Nancy Lockard

Vice President of Administration – Cindy Wood

Treasurer – David Charvat

President – Rick Sharp

Question and answer session with Jason Repast regarding the monitors and their placement.

There will be a congregational meeting June 30, in the nave, following our 10:30 service, which will be followed with a potluck.

Cindy

Meditation

by Vicar Dave

We humans are a very impatient lot. We want what we want, when we want it. Have you ever noticed at an airport how people start lining up to board the plane before they even start boarding? We’re so anxious to get on the plane that we stand there and stare at the gate attendant. Weather we’re the first person on the plane or the last, we all get to our destination at the same time.

We do that with other things as well. When we order things online, we want it delivered as soon as possible. Never mind that we don’t need it right away. Anticipating big life events can also make us impatient. I’ve noticed that a lack of patience is a big problem for some of the guys I work with too. It tends to get them into trouble.

Instead of being so anxious, why don’t we just sit back and enjoy the ride? Sometimes the journey can be more entertaining than the destination. Instead of taking a plane to get somewhere fast, why not take a train and see the countryside? When we go for a walk in a park, maybe we should make sure to slow down and take in the sights.

Children and younger people are particularly subject to the temptation to rush through life. As kids, we always want to go up and do it now! As parents, we often regret how quickly our children grow. It seems like just yesterday that we held them as little babies and now they’re getting married.

God sets a pace for our lives. Everything has it time. Trusting God and taking things as they come would make for a more peaceful and happy life. We all have the same destination in life. When we get there, we’ll have all of eternity to sing God’s praises and enjoy being with them. So relax and enjoy life as it comes to you.

Behind the scenes at Grace …..by Gretchen

Per the office the beautiful red tail hawk has been seen being chased by a flock of birds! So, our chipmunks and bunnies should be safe for a while at least!
We recently moved the Frist Aid equipment from the Sunday School Office to the Library – the Red Sign next to the door indicates where the kit is. Have you ever checked out where all the First Aid kits are in the church? We have 6 on the ground level so see if you can locate them. There is also a large white box with a red cross on it in both basements with a kit, water, and flashlights.
DO you know where the AED is??
Thanks to the crew who weeded and mulched the garden by the office – it looks beautiful!
The Children’s Sermon on Sunday was given by Pastor Brenda and centered around the Mustard Seed. There were not a whole lot of people under the age of 15 but we are all children of God, so she even had a couple of “older kids” come up and listen .Way to go Pastor!
Remember: GRACE IS NOT THE BULDING BUT THE PEOPLE OF GRACE CARRYING OUT GOD”S MISSION!

Healthy People! Healthy Parish!

SUMMER SIZZLE!

No doubt how do you like your egg fried on the sidewalk – soft yolk or hard as a rock? Hard as rock is probably what you are getting this week as it takes about a minute to fry!

Some reminders!

Drink extra water. Many ‘Seasoned” adults do not experience the same “thirst” as they did when they were younger, so it is even more important to remember to drink! Caffeine and alcoholic beverages can act as a diuretic making you do more bathroom trips and losing more fluid so avoid when hot and humid.
Close your blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day.
Go outside during the cooler parts of the morning and evening – avoid the 11:00 – 4:00pm heat .
Check on family ,friends and neighbors, especially if they do not have air conditioning.
Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply every 2 hours or more often if swimming or sweating.
Exercise early and late in the day – take your water bottle with you. Make sure you have your cell phone with you and tell someone your route and expected time to return.
Remember bees and other stinging insects like bright colors and wonderful scents!
Have a fan? In shaded rooms put the fan near an open window and aim into the room to circulate fresh air. In a sunny room turn it around so it sucks the hot air out!
Wear cotton which is more breathable than synthetics. Make it loose-fitting. Tight fitting clothing prevents the body from cooling properly.
Wear a hat to keep cool!
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes!
Eat foods with a high-water content – watermelon, oranges, pineapples.
Heat can make us a little more sensitive and quicker to get angry. So, take a moment to step back and rethink what is going on – it might just be the heat making you a little hotter under the collar or crabby.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do.
Cook food in the mornings – use the grill, use a slow cooker. Oven heat can spread through the house quickly.
Great time to eat ice cream (in moderation) and popsicles!
Food Safety – keep foods cold and do not let sit out after cooked. Max time when over 90 degrees is one hour. Avoid stuff with mayonnaise – use vinegar and oil.
Thinking about cold drinks – keep one cooler with drinks as they will be opened frequently and another one for food that will not be opened as much.