July 2002
Dear All Saints’ Family,
A while ago I shared with you that I was suffering
with a condition known as sleep apnea. For a number of reasons my sleep
was interrupted about sixteen times an hour and I would awake to catch my
breath. After two sessions at the sleep clinic and a bunch of red tape
from the insurance company I was fitted with a CPAP machine to open my
airway and allow for deep sleep. It took almost a week to get use to the
machine blowing air through my nose, but then a wonderful thing happened.
I woke up one morning at 6:00 a.m. (believe it or not), feeling rested and
energized. What a wonderful feeling it was!
I realized that this is a good metaphor for the
fact that God calls us to a place of rest and refreshment on a regular
basis. God built rest into the pattern for life. "Six days you shall do
your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest" (Exodus 23:12
NSRV). Jesus
often got away from the crowds and went away to pray and recharge his
batteries so that he could continue his ministry on earth. The need for
rest is built into our very being, for none of us can go on for too long
without adequate sleep. It is no mistake that God gave us a command to
rest on the seventh day. Summer of course is a time when many take a break
from the everyday demands of life, work, and school to recreate. My prayer
is that all of you will find rest and refreshment sometime over the summer
so that we will be revitalized for the ministry God has called us to.
Of course that does not mean that we are called to
take a vacation from God. Summer is a time of recreation and travel for
many, but I again remind you that the life of the church, though slower,
continues on. We may not have as many activities, and attendance may vary,
but God is not on vacation, and we will remain busy reviewing the past
year and planning for next. Also, we remind you that our operating
expenses continue throughout the summer and ask that you remember to mail
in your pledge even when traveling. Envelopes will be provided at your
request.
Finally some thank you's are in order. I want to
thank all who made our annual picnic a wonderful day. Many thanks to Terry
Kratz, Ben Turner, Don Aker, and all who contributed the wonderful food.
Thanks to Alden, Peter, and Dawn for leading us in music. I also wish to
thank Rick, Heidi, Steve, the entire Youth Group, the Altar Guild, the men
who set up chairs, and the worship leaders for their powerful sharing in
worship at our joint outdoor service on June 16th. It was
fabulous!
Janet and I also wish to express our deepest
appreciation for all who made our 30th anniversary surprise so
special. Both of us feel so loved and cared for that words are not
adequate to express our true feelings. Thank you, thank you, thank you,
and have a great summer.
In Christ,
Fr. David
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