Monthly Message | August

Grace and peace to you!

Rest. Restore. Connect. Create. These are four practices author Rebekah Lyons writes in her book, Rhythms of Renewal. Her approach comes from a faith perspective. She writes, “God has taken me on a healing journey through panic disorder, anxiety, and depression.”

I heard Lyons talk on a podcast and was drawn to those four rhythms. I especially find them appropriate for August for the church and for many of us. With the start of a new school year and fall schedules resuming and coming soon, this month provides a time of rest (you’ll notice our church calendar is a little lighter this month) before those familiar rhythms of more items on our calendar happen. I think what Lyons advocates is a helpful way at looking at our lives — specifically our faith lives and life as a church community.

We start with rest and restore. Instead of running to rest, we should run from rest (after rest) where we feel refreshed and our cups are full again. We feel restored. Maybe we have taken time to talk with God in prayer and see where God is leading us — leading you — next. In that time with God, we can be reminded of how God has restored us through Jesus. We are reconciled and are saved because of Jesus, and Jesus is with us through the challenges we face.

After rest and restoration, we connect. We can connect with friends, family, congregation, communities, etc. Even for introverts, connection doesn’t have to mean big gatherings. It can be one-on-one time with someone you trust and can talk openly with — you can be vulnerable with them, and they, at the same time, can be vulnerable with you.

Finally, create. Use whatever gifts you have and where you feel God is calling you to craft or do something. It could be simple or complex. It could writing a letter to someone, cooking something new, helping with our food pantry or at worship on a Sunday. It could be a new ministry. It could be anything!

These rhythms can be used throughout the year — they are rhythms, after all — but August may be a good time to try them and see what happens!

Speaking of trying something new, in this month’s newsletter you’ll find information about our special community worship and potluck lunch September 10 at Lamar Recreation Park. Usually, the Sunday after Labor Day is when we kick off our fall schedule that includes our Faith Explorer (Sunday School) classes. Those will start on September 17. For September 10, we will have one more special gathering outside, and we are extending an invitation to anyone in our communities. The concept of a dinner church became the inspiration behind this gathering. The service is more informal, and much of the time that day will be spent enjoying food and time together with friends (both old and new)! We hope you are able to come that day and invite neighbors and friends. Again, more information can be found in the newsletter or contact me.

May you find rest, restoration, connections, and creativity this month and beyond,

Pastor David