A PASTOR’S SUMMER THOUGHTS

This is the kind of day for reflecting.

Over the span of the next two months, I will celebrate the fourteenth anniversary of my ordination, and we will celebrate fourteen years of ministry together.  It’s a little mind-boggling.

What do we have to show for it?

Look around.

I see people responding to God’s grace – gathering, growing, and yes indeed, going in Jesus’ name.

Habitat

In the past years we have had a few individuals participate in local Habitat projects.  But this year, on two Saturdays in June over thirty people either worked on the house or prepared and served lunch.

The numbers alone are impressive.  But what I find even more exciting is that we were able to help an Ypsilanti family.  What’s more –it was a powerful experience!  I was able to help build on the first Saturday.  It was my first chance to be part of the “wall-raising”, and it was amazing.  Seeing the progress from the beginning to end of the day, working with Lutherans and college students from all over, working with sisters and brothers from St. Mark – I experienced God’s grace in a new way.   It was one of those chances to physically make a difference in another person’s life.  It was a reminder that when we “go” in Christ, we also grow in Christ.

 Youth

We didn’t have kids from St. Mark attend BRRICK camp this year – but I went, and it’s worth writing about (see next page).   Next year, I want some of our high school youth to attend.

We do have kids going to Confirmation Camp – three, to be precise.  We head up to Michi-lu-ca that last week of June/ beginning of July.

With involvement in the scrapbooking retreats, more folks have gained an appreciation for Michi-lu-ca.  Its beauty and space give us a chance to encounter God in ways that don’t happen in ‘normal life’.  These encounters change us.  Such powerful things can happen there.  Thank you for helping the kids receive this experience.

Thank you also for helping our three girls go to New Orleans for the National Gathering.  They’ll be there July 21-27.  Pray for them – and for Kris Hepner, who will accompany them.  Pray that they will share and experience Jesus in the people they meet.

VBS – Discovery Canyon

In the last week of July, St. Mark will come alive with kids and adults journeying to Discovery Canyon!  This is always a huge week for us.  We will work to invite even more to experience the miracles that happen.  Please plan to be part of it.

So these are some of the things I see when I look around: ministry is happening.  Thank you Jesus!

Joyfully, in Christ,

Pastor Julianne R. Smeck