Dear Members and Friends of Trinity Community,
Throughout life we accumulate stuff, some good and some truly not worth much. Many items we accumulate seem to hold such potential for being a treasure at the time we obtain it, but with time well, simply it becomes something for the $1 table at the flea market. We Pastors are no different than anyone else in accumulating stuff and over the years we have accumulated many treasures (some more treasurable than others). And over the past few months (our last vacation and much of our upcoming vacation) we are sorting through stuff trying to decide is it a treasure or not do we keep it or not if we do keep it, where do we keep it? And then as new things arrive (as they always somehow seem to) what do we do with them? Keep? Toss? Regift? Give to someone who might actually treasure the item? Maybe add on a couple of more rooms onto the house so that we have room to store the treasures? Many choices many decisions.
The coming scripture readings in July raise the same questions. Through scripture we are challenged to rethink the philosophy of our life that underlying way we understand and do life. Through the stories, the parables, that Jesus tells, and Pauls letter to the Romans we are challenged to explore what it means to have a life in the Spirit (Spirit with a BIG S meaning that which truly offers and gives meaning to our life rather than spirit with a little s meaning our narcissistic human nature that loves to treasure everything and anything whether or not it gives our life much value).
Through scripture we are encouraged to rethink our life philosophy, the foundation of who we are - and we are encouraged to shake those foundations, reform them being careful not to simply throw out true treasures but to use them anew with the newness each day brings. Then after careful consideration of our foundation, of what truly is a treasure to keep, we learn we are free free to reform past treasures to make them relevant again for this time and place (much like getting new upholstery for that old sofa) while being sure, with courage that comes from the Spirit, to discard other treasures that no longer fit our new foundation, a new foundation which we have become aware of through grace from God (much like coming to terms with discarding, maybe giving away to someone else, that once beloved treasure which now only clutters and imprisons one from truly living in the creative newness that the Spirit offers).
Whether rain, sun, cold, heat, no electric, or whatever old Mother Nature brings our way in the coming month we look forward to worshiping with you (a very old human activity) at 10 AM on Sunday mornings (a new day to behold and worship)!
Peace & Blessings,
Pastor Bill & Pastor Penny
PS: Please remember worship remains in our sanctuary this summer please dress appropriately for the heat we will be experimenting with different forms of worship throughout the summer months to ensure a creative, inspiring worship experience while shortening our exposure to the summers heat. Also, we will be on vacation (if sorting through old and new treasures is a vacation) from July 16th through the 23rd. For pastoral emergencies please contact the Church President.
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