While it is just the very beginning of Spring according to the weather outside my window as I write, my mind is forging ahead much further afield in my planning. At church and at home it seems as if we are all deep into planning mode getting meeting schedules, worship plans, vacation dates, and child care strategies into place. I look forward to getting all of that calendaring done because it represents a new season that will begin to unfold just over a month from now: SUMMER.
Summer becomes a time to downshift in order to connect with a more grace filled way of living marked not by productivity but by enjoyment. I don’t mean enjoyment merely in terms of entertainment or amusement but in the deeper sense of cultivating joy. In particular, I am thinking about ways to strengthen the relationships of life. Breaking bread together is a beautiful way to do this. Andrew and I have enjoyed the practice of having people over to the house to share a meal. We’ve tried to maintain the practice through the academic/program year but it is hard to do in the bustle of family and professional life. We see the summer as a perfect opportunity to do more of it.
So this is an invitation to you on two fronts. On the first, consider joining us in making this a practice in your own life in whatever ways you can. Find places and ways to get together with people beyond your typical sphere of socializing to strengthen bonds of connection in your world. I have such fond memories of my parents inviting the “new folks” of our childhood church over for dinner. Maybe you could consider reaching out to people you don’t know well and inviting them to meet you for coffee or join you for a meal.
The second invitation is to come to “Brunch with the Pastors” sometime this summer. We will be hosting brunch after worship on four summer Sundays. There will be ways to sign up through the website and in the gathering area. The dates will be June 19, July 24, August 21, and August 28. I hope you will come out for this time of informal conversation and fellowship with us over brunch at mine and Andrew’s home. I am looking forward to the opportunity to break bread with you and to share time in a casual setting with no agenda but enjoying life together!
Peace to you,
~Pastor Jill