Pastor's Pen - June 2008

Dear Friends in Christ,

Although science is perfectly capable of giving a clear and understandable explanation to the phenomenon, it is still a wonder to see the first shoots of green pushing their way up through the brown dirt each spring. It is a sign of new life and rebirth in the midst of nature. It is a sign of hope and promise for the future. These images carry through to the Church's use of green as the liturgical color of the season for Sundays after Pentecost.

This year because of the early celebration of Easter this season will be longer even than usual. It is a season where the lessons each week focus upon the disciples of Jesus and the call to grow in the Word though witness and example that the good news might be revealed to the world through them. We know that a good crop takes planning and care. It takes an investment of time and energy as well as resources. For optimal growth to be achieved nurture in various forms must be provided throughout the growing season. These same things are true in the lives of God's people as well.

It is true that it is the work of God that brings us to faith. Even that is not an achievement on our part. It is a free and gracious gift of God as God's Spirit is at work in this world and in the lives of God's people. However, it is possible for us to place ourselves in circumstances that will not hinder the work of God. In fact, it is possible that we can place ourselves in situations where there will be greater opportunities to be exposed to God's love and grace than not.

Because of the time in the calendar year in which the bulk of the Sundays in the season following Pentecost fall, it is possible for the people of God to try new and renewed ways in which they might be available to God's creative, renewing, and reclaiming activities in this world. As you take time away from your regular routine this summer, remember to make room for your Bible. As you visit, take time to visit the house of God. Take the opportunity to be exposed to other styles of worship, to other communities of faith, to the possibilities of different ways in which God makes God's presence known among God's people in different places.

The promise of growth in the fields around is a clear reminder of God's promise of growth in and for our lives as well. In this green season of growth, we rejoice and are glad in the promise that God continues to move and shape us for ministry and service in Jesus' name.