FROM THE PASTOR…
What an amazing summer! There have been
challenges, such as smoke storms and dry
conditions, but there have also been many wonderful
opportunities for fun, connection, and growth. There
have been some new faces in worship as people
connect with the ministry here at First Presbyterian
Church, particularly as we focus on loving, living,
learning the joy of faith in Christ and have an
emphasis on contemplative faith and Earth Care. We
also collaborated on Kids Alive Day Camp, which
went very well, and hosted two bicycle tour
organizations that are raising money and awareness
through their travels. The first was in July, Bike the
US for MS, and the second was in August, Bike n’
Build, Pedaling for Affordable Housing. Both went
very well and were well received by the cyclists, the
community, and everyone involved in hosting.
Four of the men on the July trip had actually started
in Florida, then rode to Maine, and across to the
west coast. They will also ride to San Diego, and
then cross back over to Florida. Six months is how
long they will circumnavigate the continental United
States. I talked with one of them and mentioned that
sort of trip is on my “bucket list” as I get older. I
was encouraged because he is about 10 years older
than me, and had prior knee surgeries. Cycling was
great for his knees, and he had just ridden 100 miles
that very day.
It’s inspiring to see people putting forth effort
towards good causes, helping others, reaching
beyond themselves to benefit the larger
community. I hope we all do this in our own
contexts, with our own levels of challenge or
interests.
As a congregation, for example, we are still
making headway on the Peace Garden and it’s
amazing to be outside in that space and have
people walk by, stopping to discuss how they
appreciate the Peace Garden and how nice it’s
looking. As we held the Deacon’s Stars n’ Stripes
luncheon we hosted our neighbors, women from
Sweet Magnolia just across from the church
building. We invited them to use that space for
rest, reflection, as a place they could find
sanctuary. They said, “Oh, we already do! Thank
you! It’s wonderful!”
Much of this positive energy is given behind the
scenes or affects people we may never meet in
ways we may never know. But how we live, who
we are, sharing life and love through the power of
God in Christ Jesus is a gift of grace. May God
continue to lead us in ways to contribute positively
to the world around us in the name of Christ.
See you in church! We switch to Sunday school at
9 a.m. and Worship at 10:30 on Sunday,
September 9.
Peace and All Good,
Pastor Andy
