PASTOR’S PEN
An Award ?
Yesterday I found myself grouchy and irritated all day by people. It was just one of those days. Then in the evening I went over to Sun Street Center for their awards night. One of the things they do is recognize and celebrate people who have reached a certain number of days, months, and years of sobriety. A young man greeted me by name. I did not recognize him at first. I looked carefully and I knew him. This young man had been strung out and sleeping in the bushes around the church a few months ago. Now he is clean and sober, a few pounds heavier, with a big smile for what he has accomplished by God’s grace. It brought tears to my eyes.
Then our Operations Manager, Greg Fenton was presented with an award for his service to the community. I felt joy to hear Greg speak of his recovery being connected to the work of our church and how he has grown in spirituality and service. There was great joy in the room as stories of healing and recovery were shared.
As we were driving back to the church, Greg reminded me that today one of our Core Volunteers had reached one year of sobriety. I felt bad that I had forgotten to congratulate and celebrate with her. Sometimes we get so focused on being irritated with what people aren’t doing that we miss the miracles that are happening right under our noses.
Once again a lesson on how to be a better human being. Notice what people are doing and the miracles right under our noses. Thanks be to God!
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.
Pastor Steve Lundin
