From the Pastor's Pen

We had over 20 people at bags tourney last night in the pavilion. It was a perfect night, pleasant temperature and just a little breeze. Ten teams competed with a few extras and children playing, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and everyone enjoying a great summer evening. The full moon as we left was simply added beauty and enjoyment to a wonderful evening.
We are blessed to have the pavilion which also was used for worship service on Sunday. We are recipients of the legacy of wonder and beauty that is St. John’s, the product of years of planning, sacrifice and hard work, carefully and lovingly tended yet today, both in the form of church, and grounds.
We are reminded of God’s bountiful goodness and blessings as we see crops progressing rapidly, and the proliferation of flowers and gardens teeming with goodness. Sweet corn is just around the corner with some early arrivals from fields farther south. We are blessed in abundance!
The idyllic picture I painted is in sharp contrast to the mass shooting that occurred during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, IL.. It followed the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. We are plagued with violence that escalates into loss of life and survivors with scars both visible and invisible.
I hope, somehow, to paint a picture, in the midst of the darkness and despair, of a world still filled with helpers, those who run toward the chaos bringing healing and help and hope. It is sometimes easy to despair as we are continually bombarded with tragedy and bad news both locally and around the world. Still, I believe that faith overcomes fear, love overcomes hate and God is still God, and we are not. We must not lose heart, but continue to see the good, the beauty and bounty all around us, and not let negativity rule.
There is an old adage that says if each one will reach one, we can change the world one at a time. Be thankful, share and spread the Good News. Be Blessed and Be a Blessing. Remember – God is Good, All the Time – All the Time, God IS Good ! Blessings and Peace and Love, Pastor Dave Harmony 

Another Letter from Dave Bateman Note July 20, 2022

Oops! I wrote a note on July 12th, sent it to a friend and somehow neglected to send it to Donna or Dorothy, which is my usual practice. Usually I get a response to my notes from someone either in church or email, and I remember telling Carol, who is my proofreader and corrector of errors, that I hadn’t received any responses. As I was reviewing some emails, I discovered my error: I failed to send it; so today you get a two-fer.
Hot and humid seems to describe our weather, making wheat harvest and hay- making a challenge. Every year it seems there are weather scares, too wet, too cold, too hot, too dry, becomes the farmers lament often depending on the location of the farm, and weather patterns on a given day.
Corn is beginning to tassel, and I’ve seen some in full tassel. It continues to amaze me how quickly crops and seasons progress, sometimes because of, and sometimes in spite of, weather and challenging conditions. Perhaps a reminder that God is still in control, for which we’re thankful.
This week the attendance for bags was smaller but everyone including some younger ones participated and had a good time. I think we used 5 sets of boards with a few extra people.
The Pork Chop – Chicken Dinner is coming together as tickets are out and being sold, cookie bakers signed up and slots being filled for various needs. While the focus is on providing good food and a good experience, we also raise some funds to assist some veterans who may need some help. It is a great, fun, community event that allows us to enjoy great food and this year again allows us to enjoy each other’s company in our beautiful setting. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, August 27th, come and bring your friends!
We are blessed in so many ways and too often fail to pause and appreciate all that God has given us. In this torn and tattered world, filled with violence and negativity, take a moment to reflect on the blessings we enjoy. The bountiful garden produce, the beautiful flowers we enjoy, the moments of laughter with friends and family are gifts from a gracious and generous God.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing! 

Peace and Love, 

Pastor Dave