June 25, 2025 Midweek News
Happy Wednesday!
As we officially enter summer, we are all finding ways to embrace warmer weather, longer days, and beautiful blue skies. Every season has its blessings and gifts. By acknowledging the gifts of the changing seasons, we are also able to acknowledge the blessings of changing seasons within our lives, like seasons of grief, celebration, joy, transition, or anticipation.
With beautiful weather or travel plans, it’s easy to fall out of a rhythm of regular church attendance. But that doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected to God. I encourage you to use time this summer to “practice the presence of God” as Brother Lawrence teaches.
Whether you are in the garden, on the trail, or on the river, try repeating a few phrases from a special scripture, or try Psalm 84. This psalm is about the joy of worshipping God in the ancient Temple. But we know that God is within us and all around us. God can’t be contained in any one place. So, you can use phrases from this psalm to acknowledge God’s presence with you, or to give thanks to God for what you are experiencing or observing. Try phrases like, “my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God,” or “Happy are those whose strength is in you.” Contemplating one simple phrase while outside helps us experience God’s gentle spirit in peaceful and meaningful ways.
Blessings,
Pastor Jared