by Fr. Tom
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THE VIEW FROM THE HILL
THOSE LAZY, HAZY, CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER
Forget summer? Somebody told me to forget summer...life is just as hectic in the summer as in the rest of the year. Maybe more so,... with the kids home. I was talking to one of our college
students home from school today; called the house and found that this person was still in bed...reading a book!!!! Oh, the sheer delight. I hope that all of you will be able to do some of that this summer. If not a book, an equivalent. But I would also like you to keep a number of things in mind.
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First: something noteworthy - God doesn't take a vacation. That's not a new revelation, it's just something about which to be reminded. Just as the sun continues to rise, and, here in Pittsburgh, the rain continues to fall, God is still plugged in, turned on and tuned in. So, don't take a vacation from him...take him with you. One of the things we learned in Life Shapes was how precious down time is...so it's good if you can get away. But don't get away from God. Rather, take him with you. In other parishes, the folks would bring back Sunday bulletins to show where they had been. This is a good thing. I always want to hear of 'best practices' in other places...so worship elsewhere, and take notes!!! Send cards. You may be out of sight, but we want to keep you in mind. I don't mind if you brag. Go to Alaska, or Oberammergau, or New Zealand, but remember us back home.
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Second, besides God, neither the mission of the church nor its creditors take a vacation either. Please remember to keep tithes and offerings current, even if you go away. It's not only good policy (see first things above), it's necessary.
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Thirdly, remember that there are some important events taking place during June. I am giving the Baccalaureate Address on June 1 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. I would like to invite our seniors to attend. I need all the support I can get. Second, Dee and Nate Parker are having a cocktail party on Saturday, June 5 from 6:30 to 8:30.. The All Parish Picnic is on June 13 after Worship on the lawn. THE RECTOR'S INSTALLATION SERVICE is on Tuesday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. I am pleased to say that my son Ben will be preaching, and you will have the opportunity to meet my 18 month old grandson, David and my 9 month old grand daughter, Evangeline. Finally, there is an Open House at the Rectory on Sunday, June 27 from 3 to 5 to round out the festivities. We want you to get a view of the recently painted and refurnished Rectory.
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That's not all, but that's enough for now. Have a blessed summer!
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Fr. Tom
frtom@fcec.us
