Pastor's Pen - July 2007

Dear Friends in Christ,

With the end of May many are looking longingly ahead to what is often thought of as the more leisurely pace of summer. The "leisurely" part is probably no longer as true for most as it once was, but the summer does bring the opportunity for a change of pace and that change of pace may be just exactly the thing that is needed the most.

But before we race ahead too quickly, it is good at the end of May and the beginning of June to extend a word of thanks to those who have so faithfully taught in the Sunday School ministries of the congregations throughout the past year. Teaching the faith can be challenging as well as a risky business as the Spirit is at work in teachers and learners alike. But at the same time it is particularly rewarding to have the opportunity to share one's faith and to be used by the Spirit for the spreading of the Gospel. Thanks as well to students and parents for their participation and cooperation without which this ministry would not be possible.

Also congratulations are to be extended to those who are graduating from high school as well as post-secondary programs of education. Graduation marks another step in the journey called life. Learning and growing do not end with graduation of whatever sort. They simply move in new and different directions.

The summer worship schedule will make it possible for members of both congregations to have the opportunity to be exposed to some of the other settings for Holy Communion in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Watch for announcements about brief gatherings following Sunday worship to hear and sing these new settings. We have been using setting one for two seasons of Church life and are doing well with its use. The same will prove true of other settings also. There will also be some opportunities for Adult study following worship throughout the summer. Watch the bulletins for further details.

The Church time of the Season after Pentecost is a time for growing in faith through hearing God's word, sharing in the Sacraments, and serving our neighbors and the world around us. The summer's change of pace gives the opportunity to try to discern new ways in which we can be faithful to God's Word in a changing world.

God's Blessings upon your summer.