Mid-week 1-9-13

Dear Family of faith, Aren’t you glad to see all the snowbirds back among us? Most of them have now fled the north for balmier days down here, and I’m so excited about it! Jan Bastow told me on Sunday, “I’m ready to party!” So am I, and if any church is a partying church, this is the one! I’ve always known that partying is good for the soul. Now even health professionals are recognizing it. In the last issue of the AARP magazine there was an article on “10 Tips for Better Health.” The very first one was “Throw a party!” (The others were “Adopt a pet; Eat chocolate; Drink coffee; Drink a glass of wine or beer; Have sex; Listen to music; Take a nap; Enjoy nature, and Stop using antibacterial soaps.” ) At one of our team meetings this week, Jan Thayer, our Vice Moderator who had been absent for many weeks, remarked, “I’ve sure missed this place.” It was a response to listening to Ellen Niemann sharing a spiritual moment in her life. That says along about what God is doing in our midst: comforting us, healing us, leading us, and changing us. Many who have gone away can’t wait to come “home” to the family we find in our church. It can only be that way if we continue to open ourselves up to God’s Presence and love and share that with others. This week, don’t run so fast that you miss the beauty of those in front of you. Take time to ponder your surroundings, to delight in the beauty of God’s world, and to listen ardently to those who share this journey of life with you. It makes all the difference! With affection, Pastor Carlan