GREG’S GRAPEVINE ……

The writings from Ecclesiastes speak of God’s time and the rhythm that all living things bring to the great symphony of Creation. The rhythm for God’s greatest creation, humanity, often becomes complicated and unpredictable as a result of our fast-paced lives. But in order to nourish our souls, bodies, and minds, we must return to this wisdom text. “There is a time to be born, … die, … plant, … pluck up, … kill, … heal, … weep, … laugh, … love, … hate” (Eccl. 3: 1-4, 8). Many people lose this God-given balance and sense of rhythm. Too often, especially in America, the workaholic syndrome and frantic rhythm are reflected in our decisions in the Church. This reality is true for members, lay leaders, and ministers alike. Along the way we get lost, without focus and purpose, unable to hear God speaking to us and missing the mission and vision God calls the church to reflect.

 If you are a member of a church and life gets you out of balance and you need a break ~ a member stops coming to church. This is not the best way to approach the situation, but that is often what happens. If you are a lay leader, you remove yourself from leadership ~ through resignation or your term has ended. At this point the lay leader can assimilate back into the congregation and be spiritually fed and nurtured. So what does the minister do? How does the minister recharge, renew, or get his/her rhythm back into balance with the rest of creation? My answer would be ~ sabbatical.

 My sabbatical was truly a gift from this congregation and a time to get myself back into rhythm with my family, the church, and my life. THANK YOU! I had no idea how much I needed to be refreshed and energized spiritually. The opportunities I experienced during the past 2½ months will sustain me and my ministry for years to come. I am eternally grateful. NOW … back to work!

 My goal is to visit every member, visitor, and church friend over the next two months. In order to keep on schedule, I have created a new weekly schedule to see how I can make this work. If you would rather visit me at church or meet somewhere for lunch, or go to dinner … let me know when I call you. Otherwise, my visitations are scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. I will do my best to call you first and set a time for the visit. In addition, Pastor Helen will be making visits and/or joining me to see you.

 In addition, during the season of Lent there are always new opportunities to invite someone to church. Remember, every Tuesday morning (beginning at 8:00 AM) Helen will be leading worship in the sanctuary. Come and enjoy this time with God and the newest guests of our congregation. Throughout Lent, we will have our regular Sunday morning services (10:45 AM). Beginning Holy Week with Palm Sunday (10:45 AM); Maundy Thursday (7:00 PM); Good Friday (7:00 PM), we will end the season with one, grand Easter service at 10:45 AM, April 4^th. I am eager to see everyone.

                         Pastor Greg