Preparing for the Pause

It’s that time of year: we’re marking endings and stepping into a summer pause from the regular routine. Last Sunday, we celebrated the year in Sunday Friends, lifting up young learners, their teachers, and the graduates within our midst. This week, it’s music’s turn. You won’t want to miss this Sunday’s service full of diverse musical offerings of instrument and voice, with attention also to Father’s Day and our annual Blankets & Tools offering to Church World Service.

After that, we’ll have two more weeks in the sanctuary with livestream before moving out under the tents for an offline experience during July and the first two weeks of August. For many, the weeks outside are a worship highlight of the year. This pause also provides some important Sabbath time for those most involved in preparing our weekly services. But we recognize it can mean disconnection for those who rely regularly on the livestream. We will keep these weekly emails flowing throughout the summer, sharing updates and prayers as they arise. If you can’t make it to the tent, you are always welcome to email me or call the church to share prayers and updates to be lifted in worship. And since my schedule opens up a bit, I’m happy to come for a visit as well. 

It is my prayer that this season affords each of us some time to pause in the beauty of God’s creation. I will be spending one week later in the summer as a chaplain at Camp Wanakee in New Hampshire, a United Methodist camp that runs overnight programs for children and youth. I’m very much looking forward to being a fly on the wall as young people make spiritual discoveries and lasting friendships during their own pause from demands and routines. I hope the summer affords us all the chance for some of our own discovery and sharing as well.

Until Sunday,

Pastor Jen