November 2018 Pastor's Corner
Pressed for Time
Usually when we hear those words, our mind runs quickly to someone in a hurry to get somewhere. We see it in ourselves and in others, but not always in a favorable way. Accidents are more likely and anxiety causes more frustration than we need. There are other times when “pressed for time” may be a good thing. Someone seeking medical care may truly be living a limited number of days and want to accomplish various projects or, if possible, seek medical procedures that might bring health.
“Pressed for time” has a very positive application, as when colorful fall leaves are left in the pages of a book and somehow retain their color for years. Occasionally, I open a deceased person’s Bible and discover a few beautiful leaves “pressed for time”. It always reminds me of a connection between creation and scripture.
The farming seasons are also “pressed for time” determining the cycles of planting, harvest of land, and rest for the soil. I also note that the seasons of the Christian year bring about a fresh look at the annual calendar. November 1st is All Saints Day. November 4th in worship, we remember our friends and loved ones who have died this past year, whose memories are “pressed for time” in our hearts. We linger over their memory as they, too, are now joined with the communion of saints.
The seven seasons of the Christian year, begin with Advent’s sense of urgent “pressed for time” in preparation for the Savior’s arrival. We worship being mindful of our life’s purpose as we start a new Christian year with Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost. These seasons strengthen our faith journey of anticipation, waiting, longing, hoping, praying, and living.
Sometimes we are “pressed for time” with urgency. Yet there is also that sense of “pressed for time” in which we ponder that which has been pressed into our hearts and memories for which we are grateful. May we follow Jesus through the Christian year, an alternative to the hurried rat race of accumulation that begets us all. Instead, we are able to consider living in a relationship with God and others, taking time to be present to each other. Slow Down!
We may press some leaves in a Bible. We may also press scriptures into our memories as God has pressed for all time his love for the world into which He sent his Son.
October 2018 Pastor's Corner
It has been a month of changes for our church community. Sheryl Downey ended her tenure with the Church and we now have Tresa Poe for our new Administrative Assistant. She is adapting quickly to the many ins and outs of the responsibilities of the position. She is proving to be a real help for me as well so we welcome her to our ministry.
We had a situation with a faucet that sprung an unexpected leak. Carpets were wet and had to be dried and then re-laid. Additionally a number of plumbing issues were addressed and toilets replaced. Hopefully we can avoid a similar accident in the future.
Changes are occurring as well as we are combining two committees, Memorial and Endowment. The two are responsible for the recording of gifts to the church, but have different purposes. The issues will still be separated, but we now have one committee to work on these matters. Speaking of which there are areas of ministry for person who want to work monetary bequeath gifts for distribution and allocation. If this is something you might have interest in the Nominating Committee would welcome a visit with you. It is something to prayerfully consider.
Changes are also felt deeply as events are occurring in families. Mary Morin is at Hearthstone in Moses Lake and had a recent surgery. Don visits her daily at meal times to help her eat. We certainly miss her at church. Randy Senn has now been at Hearthstone for five months. He knows everyone and makes his way in a wheel chair. He sure is a good conversation person. His foot is showing improvement, but he still needs to wear the boot. He misses the church community and we miss his singing in the choir.
Lastly, we mourn the death of Herb Reynolds. He blessed us with his warm spirit and singing in the choir. At this writing we are in the process of planning his Memorial Service on Saturday, September 22nd at 11 AM. Many of you have provided food and visits with Maggie. Fortunately her sister Darlene was able to come from Minnesota to be with her and the family during this time. We all will miss Herb, I always looked forward to see him wheeling into church on Sunday morning. Truly, he takes a portion of each heart in our church community.
The seasons change, summer is winding down, and cooler days are ahead. Before long, leaves will display a dance of color, the wind and some rain, with shorter days will call creation into rest. Maybe we too will find rest in the One who is sovereign and in love with this world, the One we trust in, through thick and thin, knowing we are not making the journey alone. God is with us! So many changes, but we come back again, and again, lost in wonder, love, and praise.
