...from the Pastor's Study:

This morning I awoke to the Weather Channel’s news that more tornadoes had hit the Midwest causing more death. The announcer went on to say that there had been a lot of them....more so than in many years.  Higher gas prices are eventually going to make us change our habits. I’m thinking that comfort is going to give way to sacrifice.  I remember mowing grass with the old push mower that was non-motorized.  Of course, I was VERY young and my Dad could just mow right along....but I had to get running starts and a clump of grass would throw the handle into my chest. Anyway, the price of everything will go up...even playing golf because the golf courses have to be mowed!  

  And when you see that things on the world scene are really not getting that much better and it seems that the economy stands on uncertain footing, typhoons and earthquakes, bad leadership and needless human death, there can be a lot of room for despair.  And it doesn’t take a lot of research to see crazy things that are happening because people are just....well.....people!  Albert Einstein wrote “The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.”  True words, indeed!

  And in every age, it seems there are those who would interpret the signs of the times to remind us that it’s about time for Jesus to return.  EVERY age.  It’s almost like we rejoice in bad news and human depravity.  But...look at our weather in May.  It has been wonderful...hardly any of those hot humid days that I remember so very well.  In our small part of this world, there has been some pretty nice love, and some pretty good things happening, and a lot of hope for our church right here!  Work is getting done, two of my sons were here for Memorial Day weekend, and our economic stimulus tax refunds are on the way!  

  And I know: the hot and humid weather WILL be here soon.  Love can be fleeting and good things can turn bad.  But we are a far cry from despair and gloom.  I think we are on the edge of recreating a lot of things.  Alternative energy will rise up.  Our lives will become simpler and I believe the church will again become the center of the community.  God has never left us in the lurch and God will never throw us to the winds.  God will equip us to help others and remind us that life is still good...especially when our lives are shaped around Christ.  And worship will do what it’s supposed to do:  settle us, grant us hope, empower us.  It’s not over.  It’s barely begun. (RM)

 

Looking back at May......

 

First of all, thanks to the youth who helped with youth Sunday at the end of April.  I think it’s always a good lesson when anyone learns that leading worship is a demanding thing.  And we have seen the face of worship change...and it will keep on changing, even as it returns to some old traditions.  

  We’re getting ready for Vacation Bible School.   Beach Party; surfin’ through the scriptures will be upon us soon.  We have already started painting and planning.  The sanctuary will become the surf shop, teachers will be lifeguards, and flamingos will appear everywhere.  The surfin’ dudes have already made some appearances in worship with music from...who else...the Beach Boys.  VBS is one of the things this church does very, very well.  If you haven’t signed up to be part of it, it’s not too late.  This is not only something for our church folks, but Vacation Bible School reaches into our community.  It can be an exhausting week, but the work is good.

  The United Methodist Men sponsored a trip to see the Kinston Indians play baseball.  The fellowship was great, the food was....well....good, and the game was....well....lost.  But thanks to all who went and were part of the very large Northwoods contingent.  The men also had a great meeting with the Baldwin hamburgers (one of the BEST things about the summer meetings of the United Methodist Men, in my humble opinion) and Alison Soukup’s report of her Global Vision trip with our Conference Youth.  At this meeting we were far better behaved than at the first meeting Alison came to.....   She also did her presentation for the youth group.

  The chancel choir has been doing the “director’s favorites” through May and June.  We’ll take the month off in July and then rock and roll into rehearsals in August.  In June, we’ll hear the blockbuster hits “We have Come this Far by Faith”, “Elijah Rock”, and “Come Follow Me”.  Both choirs continue to work hard and the music world continues to come up with new stuff.  It’s easy to sit back and critique a choir....but that’s not the point of worship, as the youth explained so well.  The music program of this church is made up of dedicated people who volunteer their time and talents in some very incredible ways.  

  In May, we welcomed Starr Peele into our fellowship.  We also witnessed the baptism of Isabella Penn, Matthew and Zachary Reemsnyder, and Josiah Rey Rivera.  In three out of four Sundays, there were baptisms at the 9am service!  We also celebrated the marriage of Brian Ashford to Connie Swokla.  

  Yet to happen in May is a building committee meeting that will determine many things for us.  Many things.  So it’s on to June.  Good things await us.  Be part of what’s happening!  As Dad always said, I’ll see you in church.  (RM)

 

Parting Comments:
 

My shirt is made in Malaysia.  My shoes are made in Brazil.  My sneakers in Korea.  My truck is made in America with parts from Canada.  Some Japanese cars are made in America with parts from Mexico.  Our winter vegetables are grown in Chile and most of our children’s toys are made in China.  My favorite golf ball (the super crazy long Loco) is made in Taiwan, the shaft of my driver is made in Japan, the grip is made in the U.S.A., as are Nike golf balls.  You can call for computer technical support 24 hours a day and some of those calls go to India.    

 
  Our economy is global.  And we tend to have differences blurred in the face of monetary efficiency.  In all of this, we try to find our identity in other things: denominations, sports teams, places of education, communities.  And this is good.  As long as our identity is not sacrificed upon the altars of hatred or disrespect, we’ll be ok.  

  We are United Methodists.  And in June, with Annual Conference, VBS, and Breakaway, we will feel some uniquely United Methodist things.  And it will be good.  Be a part of us....a part of what’s happening at Northwoods.  (RM)