Dear Church Family,

I find great joy in planning, organizing, and setting goals. The liturgical church calendar with its strong faith-filled foundation aligns almost seamlessly with our daily lives. Our Christian calendar begins with Advent, inviting us to prepare for the coming of Christ and Christmas. New Year and Epiphany are six days apart and they challenge us, as did the wisemen, to follow our star into an unknow future. Ash Wednesday and Lent invite us into a deeper contemplation of our personal goals, and what it means to be truly faithful. Easter affirms the powerful presence of our Divine Creator’s commitment to Christ and all humankind. The fifty days between Easter and Pentecost invites us, yet again to reflect what it means to be confused- like the disciples- and how we are invite re-focus on life’s priorities. We watch as the school year ends, and our children look toward the future. The chaotic imagery of Pentecost Sunday surprises us- as it did the ancients- to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit and dream dreams of a bold future.

As we enter the season of Pentecost, we begin with Trinity Sunday. This day of worship affirms the power of God’s love and grace throughout all creation and within our souls.We reflect upon God, as our Creator, Jesus the Christ as our Redeemer, teacher, and mentor, and the Holy Spirit as the powerful movement of air that enfolds and guides us with each inhale and exhale of breath.

Each season of our Christian Calendar invites to understand ourselves and how to live our faith more deeply. The lengthy season of Pentecost continues to Thanksgiving. This lengthy period known as ordinary time creates opportunities for us reflect more deeply on the call to be a follower of Jesus the Christ in every aspect of our lives.

Pastoring a church in the cornfield during the season of Pentecost provided a visual of deepening one’s roots in faith and growing as a follower of Christ. The crops planted in May, quickly root and grow throughout the summer. You’ve all heard the phrase “Knee high by the 4th of July”! During this season, the farmers fertilize, watch for pests, and pray for sun and rain, but not too much! As the season progresses and the crops grow, they prepare hopefully for a successful fall harvest- just as we celebrate the end of the church year.

As we enter this season of Pentecost- the question becomes -how are you being called to plant, root and blossom in your life? I think about the celebration of our graduates as they look toward life’s next steps. I smile at all the gardeners who are planting flowers and appreciating the bold colors of the summer. I celebrate all the youngsters within our church family who will blossom and grow as they play in the summer sun.

I would also like to invite you to join with me for a Summer read: The Universal Christ- How A Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, And Believe by Richard Rohr. It is a very meaningful read as he discusses the power of one’s faith and spirituality.

We will meet for discussion and reflection for four weeks- July 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th At 1:30 in the Parlor. If requested, we can also meet at 6:30. Please RSVP with Karen Lee in the Church office.

May this ordinary time within the season of Pentecost be filled with an abundance of warmth, sunlight, new growth, and the deepening of relationships from within and throughout our lives.

Blessings, grace and peace,
Rev. Catherine