Still Going Strong
Today is Friday. It's June. It is absolutely gorgeous out. Have you remembered to give thanks to God that you are alive?
As beautiful as it is, and as strong as the lure of summer in Rhode Island is upon our hearts and pale bodies (well, mine is), I want to remind you of a few things coming up at St. Peter's. It's possible to relax, enjoy the beauty of God's glorious creation, bask in the sun, and still retain your strong connections with our church community and the wonderful work we are about as God's people.
This Sunday after the 10:15 service, I've been asked to offer a blessing for the new carousel at Adventureland in Narragansett. The owners, who are themselves faithful Christians, called me a few weeks ago and asked if I might be interested in taking part in the dedication of this new addition to their park. My answer was "Absolutely!" I mean, how often do we get opportunties to ask God's blessing and mercy in such venues? How often does the church get such access to happy, joyful parents, children and townspeople? It will start around 1:30, and I hope you'll join us.
Secondly, last Sunday afternoon we asked God's blessing upon our vegetable garden, the produce of which goes to feed clients of our St. Peter's Food Pantry. This wonderful ministry is a partnership with St. Augustine's, and a fantastic way for us to make a real impact on the lives of people around us. But we need your help: we need people to water, weed and harvest. If you can help, please contact Sue Raesner (sraesner@cox.net) or Zeke Olsen (olsena@addsys.com).
Finally, the Great Fifty Days of the Easter Season is drawing quickly to a close. Yesterday was the Feast of the Ascension, when we remember Jesus' return to heaven 40 days after the resurrection. The Day of Pentecost draws the Easter Season to a stirring conclusion on June 12. At St. Peter's we'll do Pentecost up right by welcoming a bluegrass trio to lead our 10:15 service. We'll also welcome our friends from St. Augustine's, baptize four new Christians, hear the story read in multiple voices, and have a great big picnic on the lawn (with more amazing, live music). It's going to be quite a party, and a great celebration of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
See you Sunday.
