PASTOR’S PEN
Gun Violence
Dear Friends,
I feel heart sick after the events of the last week and a half. These mass shootings in Gilroy, El Paso, Tx, and Dayton, Ohio leave us anxious,frustrated, and heart broken. This cannot be the new normal. Action is needed, especially among people of faith.
I share with you a letter from Rev. Jeania Ree Moore of the Board of Church and Society of the UMC.
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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Pastor Steve Lundin
