7-25-12

Dear Family of faith, I'm tired! After just two days of keeping our almost-two-year-old granddaughter, Jill and I are worn out! And we have 12 days to go!! Talk about rearranging your schedule-- everything from sleeping and eating to shopping and showering! In the end it's all worth it. I am already thinking about keeping our Annika for two weeks every summer in spite of the fatigue factor. After all, the bonding that happens in 14 uninterrupted days between grandparents and grandchildren would take years to replicate in normal "visits from the children." It's the same feeling I have when we go on retreats (or camping trips) with the youth-- all those hours together would take a whole year's worth of meetings to create the same relationships. When I open the front door, and Annika comes running with her hands wide open for a hug; I don't take it for granted. This whole experience makes me reflect on what relationships in the church are supposed to be like. I believe that one of the great needs in our society today is to be touched physcially, emotionally, and spiritually by those whom we can trust. I just heard again tonight about a woman who "has no family" and is being cared for by a neighbor. I hear that a lot about people in Spring Hill. Loneliness is rampant. Even those who join us for worship on Sunday mornings can be "alone" the rest of the week. Somehow just sitting in a pew for an hour and fifteen minutes isn't enough. We need to be more to one another. I rejoice that the Fellowship Hour is so well attended, and I see many new friendships developing there. Just speaking to others before or after worship, embracing those around you, taking an interest in the cares and worries of others, listening to people's joys and sorrows, can make such a difference. And if you really want to be someone who takes being family seriously, invite others to join you for a meal or coffee. In an uncertain world full of threats and storms, the only thing we can count on is one another. A good friend is worth her weight in gold. Be one and you will have many. Hope you have a great rest of the week. See you Sunday. The sermon is about surviving friendships in rough times. With affection, Pastor Carlan

7-18-12

Dear Family of faith, Sylvia is home and back to her old self! For those of you who weren't in church last Sunday, we had quite an exciting end to the worship service. My sermon was knocking people unconscious! Seriously, though, Sylvia Chapman had a seizure that made us all stop and pray and call the ambulance. She was in good hands, though, with five nurses circling around her, not to mention at least one EMT! If anything is going to happen to you medically, the safest place to be is in worship at Spring Hill U.C.C.! One of the RN's was even climbing over the pews to get to Sylvia. You don't get any better attention than that! Thanks to all the Parish Nurses and others who helped out in a tense moment. Remember that you don't just belong to a church; you ARE the church! Whenever you see a need for something that you can help with, please step forward and offer your gifts. Together we are invincible. Jesus said so in Matthew 16:18. This week, as you go about your daily routines, remember the power of God's Spirit at work in you. We never have to be defensive or down on ourselves or stuck in self-pity; God's love always puts us at ease with ourselves, our world, and our future. See you in worship! Thankful for all of you, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News - July 4, 2012

Dear Family of faith, I hope you are enjoying the Fourth of July holiday. This is be an abbreviated newsletter because of it. I have a picnic to attend! Last Sunday was a wonderful day in worship. The sermon on sorrow was hard for many people, including myself, but we all needed to remind ourselves of the comfort that God brings us. Thanks for those who continue to bring in food faithfully each first Sunday of the month to support local food pantries and those within our own congregation who have needs. The music during worship on the last three Sundays of July--- July 15, 22, and 29-- will be led by the Praise Team. They are this year's Dress Down Dog Days Sundays when you are encouraged to dress in shorts and sandals if you wish to enjoy the Florida heat. July 15th will be our "Country Sunday" so come and plan to sing some of the old favorites that Country Western artists have created. It will be a lot of fun. Beginning July 18th, for one month, a special summer reading program will be renting our Fellowship Hall every weekday to conduct their classes. Please note this, since you won't want to interrupt them. Lastly, on July 29th, we will be having our annual No Bug Indoor Picnic after worship. We need you to sign up for that, so please do so in the coming weeks. Have a safe and wonderful day, and I'll see you on Sunday if not before. With affection, Pastor Carlan