Pastor and Sheila are in their 5th week of what we pray is true Sabbath rest and filling up of their empty cups by the Holy Spirit. All of us need time with God, especially in the midst of the noise, distraction, inability to say no, and reluctance to set boundaries for our well-being and relationships. We also need to stop. To stand still. To rest. To practice Sabbath and savor uncluttered time. Summertime and vacations give us opportunities. Visiting friends and eating a meal together do, too. We are to be gentle with self and others. And yes, especially to “waste” time just being with God. When we do, we stop chasing what we think will fill the spaces and expectations in pursuit of happiness, success, schedules and progress. Replenishment and renewal are from God and begin with accepting ourselves as beloved children of God. We are enough, and can’t earn what God’s grace has given us. Our worth is because of God’s Son, Jesus, and his self-emptying love that was willing to die for us, while we were yet sinners, and so enemies of God. He knows us and what suffering is on earth. God in Christ promises us he will always be with us, even to the end of the age. So, waste some wonderful time with God this summer and be renewed!
Many thanks to all who are planning and making our worship, ministry and administration continue to run smoothly, welcome guests, extend hospitality to invited preachers, sing songs of praise and story, embrace and teach children and youth, celebrate with award winners and visiting friends from Zimbabwe, extend fellowship while spending time together, and deliver amazing children’s messages in word and song. Community UMC should be proud of the love being shared in Jesus’ Name through God’s church, in the neighborhood and around the world.
After communicating the purpose and scope of the Sanctuary Lighting and Video project at the ZOOM Town Hall on May 30, Church Council did meet on June 8th and unanimously voted to move forward with the project and SpireAV as the vendor. In addition, purchase of a new bus for the CDC was approved unanimously so that their Before and After Care program could be brought up to capacity. Each of these projects is borrowing from on-hand cash reserves with the intention of replacing the funds for future capital replacement and repairs. It’s going to be exciting to see the positive effects of enough and the right kind of light, plus two video panels that can be easily seen in daylight or nighttime.
SPRC is actively seeking the right candidate for the position of Director of Children, Youth and Families. As you know, one well-regarded candidate elected another job with a fast-track toward ordination, which was their goal. Interviews are in process, and we invite you to pray that God will bless our families, youth and children with the right person with knowledge and experience to foster growth in these critical areas of ministry. And, we have been incredibly blessed already by the committed Christians who have stepped up and continue to serve as the search continues. This month alone, we celebrated graduations from kindergarten to graduate school, honored of Sadie Kollias’ receipt of the Denham Evangelism Award from the Baltimore-Washington Conference, finished Sunday classes for the year, launched a Stellar Vacation Bible School, started Full Steam Ahead STEM weekly summer camps, provided nursery services during worship for infants to 4-year-olds, and opened the registration for our week-long Music Camp. God is encouraging our children through our ministry leaders. Thank them, won’t you.
July will have several high-profile Trustee projects: sprucing up the grounds, painting the library and some of the classrooms, and relocating some bees (with hive) that have made our property their home. Always busy and faced with challenges of a well-used facility, our Trustees are wonderful and hard-working in protecting and managing the gifts of our ministry spaces (Multi-ministries and Sanctuary buildings and grounds). Let them know you appreciate their service to the family.
The Vitality Team will be celebrating Christmas in July with invitations to write an Advent Devotional by folks in our congregation for our Advent preparation this year. More information will be coming after the holiday weekend. Look for the display and come by the Trustee’s Circle at the bottom of the ramp to the Sanctuary. Vicki Duane is providing the organization and structure to help us all.
In planning for the next 5th Sunday Messy Church on July 30th we liked the idea of Christmas in July so much that we made it the theme of our church picnic after worship that day. Pastor Erik and Sheila will join us for fellowship and stories about their time in Italy and other adventures. You won’t want to miss this event…there may even be one of Santa’s helpers visiting!
This is the final weekend to submit your forms and funds for the Saints’ Plaza bricks for the “Celebrating Community” or any other section. Don’t be left out!
Finally, there is the Twice as Nice Community Book Sale and Market happening at Community on August 26. So, bring your books anytime. Collections for the market start August 24 & 25. Hold the date and tell your friends!
Whew! This is an active church family and there is a buzz about working together in mission and ministry, outreach and new growth, love and caring, prayer and hope that is done with joy as unto the Lord.
Have I told you lately how proud I am of the opportunity to be in ministry with you? Well, I am!
Happy 4th of July, enjoy your vacation plans, swim and have summertime fun…and don’t forget time with God and Sabbath rest and renewal.
Many blessings,
Barb Julian, Lay Leader
