Letter from Pastor Dave Bateman
Harmony Note June 15, 2021
Mid-June and the grass in my yard is brown and August crunchy. The warm weather we prayed for during the below zero wind chills of January has arrived with a smile and vengeance. The isolation of pandemic is giving way to throngs of people crowding ball games and eateries, roadways and bike paths as we try to reclaim “normal”.
Last Sunday we had worship in the pavilion with children coming up for children’s time and coffee hour after church. Safety is still a concern, however the Ministry Board decided that with the governor proclaiming Illinois now fully open, we were not overstepping our bounds. Anyone that is not comfortable with the changes can remain masked or watching on Facebook live, with no judgment regarding personal choices.
As we approach Father’s Day weekend, it seems more than appropriate to take a moment to acknowledge our Heavenly Father, who is Creator, Sustainer, Guide and Guardian, our ever faithful companion on life’s journey. May we earthly fathers emulate His grace and mercy, attempting to train and encourage the next generation in faith, fellowship, learning and love. Certainly there are times when we falter and fail, yet God’s hand continues to reach down to pick us up, dust us off and help us take the next steps along the path prepared for us.
As we gather around the grill or pool or patio, let us pause to remember God’s gifts to us, the clear blue skies, the growing crops (even though they need rain) the laughter and love of family and friends, even life itself as a gift from God.
In the midst of our celebrations, we remember all those for whom this is a difficult time, those whose Fathers are not a pleasant memory, those fathers who have gained celestial residence, and that empty chair where Dad sat. For each of us the basket of memories is like a garden mixture of sweet and sour, salty and spicy, bitter and blissful. May we concentrate on those memories and events that bring smiles and satisfaction, the stories shared of Dad and Grandpa and memories made in the present time. May we pray: Father God, Creator of all that is, even us, may we pause to give you thanks as we honor our fathers in this time and place.
Blessings and Peace and Love,
Pastor Dave
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