Summer Has Arrived

Dear Friends,

After a winter that never seemed to end, and a rainy, stormy June, summer has finally arrived. The warm days and long evenings entice us outdoors to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Many of our members will be traveling across the country and beyond; others will visit cabins and lakes “up North”. Minnesotans know very well how brief this season can be, and so we feel duty-bound to make the most of summer this year.

God understands our need for times of rest and refreshment. He gave the Israelites the Sabbath as a day set apart each week to rest from work, to be with family, to worship, and to enjoy the blessings of life. Everyone, high and low, and even the animals, were to be given their Sabbath rest.

How important it is to recover this Biblical concept today! Modern American life is increasingly busy and stressful. We work longer hours and take less time off than any other developed country. Even Sundays have lost their distinctive character as a day set apart for church and for personal renewal.

We should look to the way Jesus balanced His earthly life and ministry. He spent many long hours ministering to people in need, as well as having to deal with opposition from the Jewish leaders. Therefore, He took time to get away from the crowds; to visit friends; to attend dinner parties; to go sailing; and to retreat up a mountaintop to pray. If that’s what Jesus needed to do to keep Himself well, how much more do we also need to take care of ourselves!

This summer, I encourage you to use your time wisely. Find activities that renew you and your loved ones.

Take a fresh look at the direction of your life, and consider the ways you can find balance and wholeness. Be open to hear the ways that God may be calling you to live in a deeper relationship with Him. And don’t forget – we still have church every Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

I wish you a safe and happy summer. See you in Church!

Rev. John Peters, rector

P.S. Are you away on the weekend? Or feel the need for a mid-week spiritual pick-up? Please join us for informal worship on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM. Come as you are - we’d love to have you join us!See you in church!