Summertime and the livin’ is easy… or so we wish! Covid is still very much a part of our daily lives, as are record gas prices, higher food costs, continuing health care, formula shortage, road construction, and so many other things. On the national level there are daily reports of mass shootings in schools, churches, streets and grocery stores; cries for legislation controlling gun and ammunition purchase, Supreme Court decisions and state’s rights, televised hearings from Washington and a host of other items. From the global scene we again see the horrors of war, this time from the Ukraine; unrest is common nearly everywhere. The immediacy and scope of the news can certainly be overwhelming!
We long for good news so that the current state of affairs does not overwhelm us.
But faithful livin’ is not easy livin’. Faithful living presents challenges – remember Jesus said, ‘Take up your cross and follow me’ but he also said, ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ Let us remember those words as people of faith, let us also remember that Christ experienced more in life than we are likely to; surrounded by caring disciples, taking time for communion with God, resting when needed, Jesus faced each day, each challenge, in faith.
This issue of the Vision introduces you to the variety of activities this summer brings here at First Presbyterian, in the company of others of faith, communion with the trinity, and yes, even sabbath rest. Worship continues each Sunday morning, as do fellowship and education, uplifting music programs, opportunities to serve and care for one another and the community, the chance to grow in faith each day.
These are offered not so we might be isolated from all that’s going on around us, but so we might be strengthened by our faith to face the challenges of everyday life.
I pray that the worldly condition improves, while I also pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit, God with us, the living Body of Christ, this summertime, and may the livin’ be filled with faith, hope and love.
Jim
