Everything has a Season.

Seasons come and go with the turning of the Earth.

Currently it is the season of summer and boy it is hot! Physical heat is certainly a reality these past days, but also the human heart has been full of emotional heat. The scourge of war is once again upon us, and we all are growing weary of the constant carnage and death. Let us pray that the season is finally changing and we are entering a new age of peace. Jesus says, "blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Let us pray that Jesus makes room in the hearts of all people to accept His lasting peace. The peace of Christ is the last and only hope for humanity. Come Lord Jesus!

Summer in the church is also different than at other times of the year. Summer is a great time for reflection and contemplating the call that Jesus is placing on our communities. We live in turbulent times as the Christian Church itself is experiencing a changing of the seasons. No longer will Jesus allow His church to be pent up behind walls of fear and distrust. The church going forward is going to be a missional church.

Christians around the world are being embraced by Christ with this new reality. Jesus' desire is for His Church to be one of action, grace and love.

The Church has always been a beacon of hope to a certain extent but going forward churches that do not reach out into the communities they serve, will be dying churches. Jesus says, "Go and bear fruit, fruit that will last." When congregations stop bearing fruit in the vineyard of God, they will be cut away from the vine. Going forward the Church of Jesus must be reforming itself into places of action. We will be working on these things together. Should you see something we should be doing, say something, to either myself or a member of our church councils. To paraphrase a wise old man, "If you see something that should be done, chances are you should be doing it."

We are blessed people, who have been immersed in a reality of love and grace we are not able to fully comprehend. Jesus loves us and desires us to have life in abundance of His grace. Enjoy the summer season. I am so proud to be your pastor.

Peace,
Pastor Bob