Today is the last day of school for my kids. Yes, they are excited. But, it hasn't ended up exactly as we expected. A week ago today, Andrew fell during school recess and broke his left arm. We hoped, that since the break was close to his wrist, he would only have a cast that came up to his elbow. Unfortunately, his cast comes all the way up to his armpit. We hoped they would be able to give him a cast that was water proof, but the doctor said, "No can do." On top of that, the timing couldn't have been worse. Andrew was very much looking forward to spending the days of his summer vacation doing the things he loves: playing basketball, learning tennis, hitting golf balls at the range, and swimming in our brand new pool. Now, diving in (pun intended) to those activities has been put on hold. The one good thing in all of this has been Andrew's attitude. Yes, he is extremely disappointed. Yes, summer is probably the worst time to have a hot cast from your knuckles to your armpit. Yes, this is not at all how he was hoping to start his summer. But, he's making the best of it. I'm so proud of him for his flexible attitude and his can-do spirit.
I'm praying for the same attitude and spirit among our congregation this summer. This Sunday we're launching Phase 1 of the Community Building Initiative. Don't forget, we're worshipping in one service at 9:30 a.m. I know that a change in the worship schedule means a bit of a change in your Sunday morning routine. Some of you might welcome it, but for others it will be a stretch. On top of that, you might get in the sanctuary only to realize that someone else is sitting in your spot (of course, it might be their spot in the other service). And, on top of that, there will be some elements of our worship service that aren't part of your normal experience (unless you regularly go to both services). All that to say, there are lots of things that could potentially get you tied up in knots this Sunday (and I haven't even mentioned the launch of Community Groups on June 22).
I'm praying that God will help us to be patient with each other as we launch this new initiative. I'm confident that there will be lessons learned along the way, and that there will be moments of craziness, celebration, frustration, and inspiration. All of that is what will make our summer exciting!
So, as you come to worship on Sunday morning, will you please ask the Lord to help us lean into this Community Building Initiative rather than lean away from it? Will you pray that God gives you the energy and opportunity to connect in a new way with others in our congregation? Will you pray that God helps us to be flexible and patient? Finally, will you pray that God fills us with a spirit of joy because of the great work that He is doing in us for His glory?
It's going to be a great Sunday; I can't wait to see you.
Blessings,
Jeremy
P.S. Sunday night, bring your lawn chair, and let's kick off our summer with Pie in the Park.
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