Praying for not a ‘Cruel, Cruel Summer’

Forgive the 80’s pop reference - but I am glad to be walking in to summer with you all and it is my prayer that it is indeed NOT a ‘Cruel, Cruel Summer.’

It has been a rewarding and inspiring year at Memorial. We have integrated new staff (welcome Justine! Hannah! Youngjin! Natalie! Jill!) and are saying goodbye to one (bye Youngjin!) as she heads off to complete her PhD in Boston.

We have expanded our Children’s programs, reinvigorated our music ministry, and strengthened the ‘bones’ of the parish with new focus on the B+G, Finance and on the Vestry.

It is time to take a breath, to step back and reflect on the year, and to gather and pray together over the summer. One of the joys of summer worship for me is that we all come to Church with no agenda. There are not many events to plan or meetings to make or schedules to fill, just an opportunity to gather together - to sing, pray, and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope you will be so inclined to join us for that worship this summer as you are able.

Of course we aren’t taking the summer ‘off’ — the vestry and staff are deep into planning already for next year and the Justice Committee is planning a series of book conversations over the summer — but it is an opportunity for all of us to rest and perhaps to explore an aspect of faith and life that we don’t get a chance to do in the year. Read the Bible everyday? Pray with a group? Take communion to the sick? Sing? Volunteer with our August Kids Camp?

Summer is a great time to explore and try new things and I hope you will take advantage. And I look forward to seeing you on Sunday! The Deacon is preaching so look out!