From the Pastor's Pen

 
Psalm 133: “How good and pleasant it is when we gather together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mt Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
How good and pleasant it is when we, (all of us), this entire family of faith, work together for a common goal and purpose. The spirit of fellowship and cooperation exudes energy for the task at hand, and for the future of St John’s.
August, Pork Chop/Chicken Dinner time! It is a busy unifying time with many moving parts and maybe a glitch or two amidst the multitude of tasks to be done. It is a time to put on our company manners and hospitality, putting the FUN into Fundraising. It is also the de-facto end of summer and marks the beginning of transition into fall and the routine activities of church and school year.
It is a time to renew our commitment to St John’s through participation in leadership and activities. Maybe a time to remind ourselves not just of the normal routines that sometimes just become habits, but also why we do certain things in certain ways, and question if there may be a different, perhaps better way to perform some of these functions. A little introspection can be a good and healthy exercise. Our corporate muscles may benefit from that endeavor.
It seems like yesterday when we were planting and praying for rain, hoping that seeds would sprout and plants would grow. While it may not be a bumper crop, still we are blessed in abundance and grateful for sunshine and rain that nurtured tiny seeds into becoming a fruitful harvest. We are blessed!
Baseball season yields to football season that morphs into basketball season for our local athletes. The mix of sports and scholastics stimulate both mind and body as the school and sports activities help develop skills and leadership. Sunday School and church activities provide a foundation for moral and spiritual teaching. Thanks to dedicated leaders who provide opportunities to grow in faith and fellowship through church and Sunday School activities. We are blessed! Let us serve and share in unity! Amen

Blessings and Peace and Love! 

Pastor Dave

dbatemanlbrn@aol.com