From the Pastor's Desk

We still have several weeks of summer, and our summer worship schedule, yet to go. Having been gone on vacation for a big part of July I almost forgot what a nice change this summer schedule is! Yesterday was a great example. During our one service on Sunday morning (9:30) folks who don't usually get to worship together were there, catching up on summer travels and activities and reconnecting with one another. There was also a special kind of energy about all being together. Many thanks to all who are such good sports about making the adjustment and help make summer a special time together!




Along those lines of being together, we all got to recognize and say good-bye to Laura Hincemon. Laura and her husband David have been an important part of our congregation and community for about 25 years. Laura was our organist for many years during the time that Linda Fox was our director of music. After retiring she had been a "pink lady" at the hospital for many years, continuing to share her sweet spirit in that setting. She also has regularly provided cookies and other goodies for our coffee hours and for the staff. David was the funeral director at Strunk funeral home in Sebastian for many years, and cared so well for a number of our families in that part of the community. Laura and David will soon be moving to Salsbury NC near Laura's daughter, closer to her roots. As they have been a blessing to us, may God bless them in this new chapter in their life. How good it was for members from both the 8:30 and 11am services to be together to share in this sending.



A quick story about priorities: This past Friday one of our members, Harry Olmstead, who lives alone, was admitted to the hospital, right from a visit to the doctor. He hadn't expected this. Realizing he would be there over the weekend, when he asked his daughter to go to his house and bring him his toothbrush, shaver, etc., he told her to be sure and get his offering envelop (he told her right where it was) and make sure she put it in the offering plate when she came to church! He said he knew everyone's part helps. :-) Thanks for being a great example for all of us!



Looking ahead, a week from this coming weekend, August 20-21, will be the last weekend before school starts already! On that weekend we are inviting all school children (including college students if they are around) to bring their backpacks, or computers or whatever, for a "Blessing of the Backpacks". We also invite our teachers (and we have quite a few!) and anyone who works in the school system, to bring lesson plans or just come and be included in the blessing at the beginning of another school year. So, get the word around, mark your calendars and plan to join us on either that Saturday or Sunday August 20-21 for a beginning of the school year blessing!



Finally, re: our construction! One of our members will be cruising the parking lot in our golf cart before worship on Saturday and Sunday to spare folks the longer than usual walk to the church during our construction. This service was pretty well received this past weekend. Don't be shy. Take advantage of it! It's fun besides. And speaking of construction, concrete blocks are being delivered today and the walls will start going up tomorrow! Maybe we'll have some more pictures for you within the next week or so.



As your week unfolds, when the storms of life come your way remember the words from our 2nd reading this past Sunday, how "the Lord is generous to all who call on him" and "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." We live with a great Promise and Presence in our lives as a people of faith.



See you in church! Pastor Jack +