Greetings From Pastor Lyn
Dear People,
It’s summer and in the church it is once again in “ordinary” time. But there is nothing
ordinary about summer in the church. It is supposed to be a time to grow, a time to learn and discover something new, a time when change is welcome. Ordinary time offers the opportunity to be creative. With that in mind and regarding the worship services, we will step away from the Revised Common Lectionary (the resource that provides weekly scripture readings, hymns, and other worship suggestions) for six weeks and turn to the Gospel of John for the preaching texts. John is the one gospel that doesn’t get a full year of lessons like the other three gospels do. We get bits
and pieces during the Season of Easter and a handfull of other times during the
year but nothing that is comprehensive. During these six weeks the entire book
will be the focus with special emphasis on the “I AM” statements found only in
the Gospel of John.
What makes the Gospel of John and the I AM sayings relevant for today’s world and for your life in particular? For example, when we proclaim, as a community, that Jesus is the Bread of Life, what meaning does that hold for the community and/or the world? If you tell someone that Jesus is the Light of your life, what does that say about you and your relationship with Jesus and how might that influence how others see Jesus? Other I AM’s are: I AM the Vine, I AM the Resurrection, I AM the Good Shepherd, and I AM the Way the Truth and the Life. I invite you to read the gospel this month and note any questions or comments about what you find there, particularly regarding the I AM statements. This series will begin on June 15.
Switching gears a bit from the ministry side to the business side of church, most of you are aware that on June 8 there will be an official congregational meeting to vote on the loan proposal from Emanuel’s lender group. The official agenda will be that one item only, per the constitution. However, there are other things that we need to discuss and that I want to bring you up to speed on, so the official meeting will be adjourned after the vote and then a congregational forum will be opened for those other things to include a financial report on the first six months of the year and proposal for the second half of the year. Please plan to stay after worship on the 8th if possible. Then, switching gears again, what are you reading this summer? I have a stack of books that are longing to be read, and chances are good most of you do as well. My stack includes both books that are new and books that need to be re-read. What are you into reading this summer? Maybe it is historical fiction or mysteries, real-life crime or fictional thrillers, science fiction or comic books, travel or other non-fiction. I am wondering if there is any interest in a mid-summer book gathering for sharing and discussion. If there is, let me know and perhaps something like a b.y.o. picnic in July can be scheduled. Let me know if you are interested.
Summer is a time for growth and change and opportunity and it’s also a time to kick back and do the things you enjoy simply for the pleasure it brings you. Whatever you are doing this summer remember to make meditation, devotions, and worship part of your routine.
Summer Blessings,
Pastor Lyn
It’s summer and in the church it is once again in “ordinary” time. But there is nothing
ordinary about summer in the church. It is supposed to be a time to grow, a time to learn and discover something new, a time when change is welcome. Ordinary time offers the opportunity to be creative. With that in mind and regarding the worship services, we will step away from the Revised Common Lectionary (the resource that provides weekly scripture readings, hymns, and other worship suggestions) for six weeks and turn to the Gospel of John for the preaching texts. John is the one gospel that doesn’t get a full year of lessons like the other three gospels do. We get bits
and pieces during the Season of Easter and a handfull of other times during the
year but nothing that is comprehensive. During these six weeks the entire book
will be the focus with special emphasis on the “I AM” statements found only in
the Gospel of John.
What makes the Gospel of John and the I AM sayings relevant for today’s world and for your life in particular? For example, when we proclaim, as a community, that Jesus is the Bread of Life, what meaning does that hold for the community and/or the world? If you tell someone that Jesus is the Light of your life, what does that say about you and your relationship with Jesus and how might that influence how others see Jesus? Other I AM’s are: I AM the Vine, I AM the Resurrection, I AM the Good Shepherd, and I AM the Way the Truth and the Life. I invite you to read the gospel this month and note any questions or comments about what you find there, particularly regarding the I AM statements. This series will begin on June 15.
Switching gears a bit from the ministry side to the business side of church, most of you are aware that on June 8 there will be an official congregational meeting to vote on the loan proposal from Emanuel’s lender group. The official agenda will be that one item only, per the constitution. However, there are other things that we need to discuss and that I want to bring you up to speed on, so the official meeting will be adjourned after the vote and then a congregational forum will be opened for those other things to include a financial report on the first six months of the year and proposal for the second half of the year. Please plan to stay after worship on the 8th if possible. Then, switching gears again, what are you reading this summer? I have a stack of books that are longing to be read, and chances are good most of you do as well. My stack includes both books that are new and books that need to be re-read. What are you into reading this summer? Maybe it is historical fiction or mysteries, real-life crime or fictional thrillers, science fiction or comic books, travel or other non-fiction. I am wondering if there is any interest in a mid-summer book gathering for sharing and discussion. If there is, let me know and perhaps something like a b.y.o. picnic in July can be scheduled. Let me know if you are interested.
Summer is a time for growth and change and opportunity and it’s also a time to kick back and do the things you enjoy simply for the pleasure it brings you. Whatever you are doing this summer remember to make meditation, devotions, and worship part of your routine.
Summer Blessings,
Pastor Lyn