PASTOR’S PEN
Birth, Death, and In-between
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It is fun to see a congregation go through different stages. Right now a bunch of us are having grandchildren! What joy to compare pictures and stories! On Saturday at noon you are invited to the Baptism of Haati and Loisi’s grandson. This is Uinisa’s baby boy. Many of you have watched Uinisa grow up in our church. What a joy to mark this baby, Ta Ka La Fa Tu, as child of God and part of the faith family. What a joy to hear Uinisa and John commit themselves to raising their boy in the faith. What a joy for each of us to commit to raising each other in the faith. Please know that you are invited to this sacred act.
Another part of being the community of faith together is saying goodbye and committing our loved ones into the care of God. There will be a graveside service on Monday, August 5, 9:30 AM at Queen of Heaven Cemetery for Shirley Helm. Shirley was a faithful member of our congregation for many years. This is our time to give thanks and offer Shirley to God.
Next week, we start a book discussion group on Tuesday nights in the Red Room. The book is — Holy Envy: On Finding God in the Faith of Others, by Barbara Brown Taylor. Let me know if you are planning to be a part of this group.
At birth we are offered to God. At death, we are offered to God. In-between we offer ourselves to God through worship, study, and service.
Blessings,
Steve.
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Summer Blessings
We are in the middle of summer and often church life quiets down in the summer — not much going on as people vacation and travel. But I have not noticed that this summer. We have been busy this week hosting a large youth group from the Lafayette/Orinda Presbyterian Church. They have come to our community to serve and we have put them to work preparing and serving meals, sorting clothes, and cleaning tables and chairs. What a wonderful spirit they have brought with them.
Don’t forget our book discussion group will start up again on Tuesday nights in August, 7 to 8:30. We will be discussing the book, “Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others, by Barbara Brown Taylor. Please let me know if you would like to sign up for this group.
On Saturday, August 3, at 12 noon, we will celebrate the Baptism of Uinisa and John Lasukaus’ new born baby boy. This is the grandson of Haati and Loisi Nai. The congregation is invited. The baptism will be followed by a baby shower.
Finally, many of you remember Shirley Helms, long time member of this congregation. Shirley died back in April but family will be here in August for a service to honor her. It will be held on Monday, August 5, at 9:30 AM at the Queen Of Heaven Cemetery in North Salinas.
Summer Blessings to you. Isn’t it good to share life together as Christ’s Church.
Pastor Steve
Pastor Steve Lundin
