From Pastor Gordy Dear friends, As I write this it is raining a gentle rain. After a long dry spell, our crops, gardens, and lawns need this moisture, and we thank God for it. Our prayer, as it is every spring and summer is that the crops will flourish with a bountiful harvest. I love to watch the rain as it falls so gently. One can see the green of our lawns and trees coming back to a fuller luster. I am reminded of how dependent we are on our Creator to sustain our lives and how the rain, which is given freely to us, in so many ways symbolize the grace our God showers upon us. This summer I hope you will take time to savor the blessings of not only sun and rain, but of family and friends, in gatherings both in our homes and in church to celebrate the very blessing of life itself. One of my favorite authors is a man named Fredrich Buechner, he writes very perceptively about the gift of life and how we need to spend our time wisely. He writes “listen to your life. See it for the Un-fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” (Fredrich Buechner’s “Now and Then”). Time goes by so quickly. It is so easy to get so caught up in the hectic hustle and bustle of it all that we forget to take time to listen, to observe not only what is happening around us but within us. Things like the joy of hearing our children’s laughter, the excitement we feel at family coming home, the wonder of seeing a full moon coming up over the treetops, the joy of clouds gathering for a much-needed shower. I need to mention that our summer worship schedule will again be held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. I am excited that we can again come together in our church home to worship with one another. With social distancing and the wearing of masks when singing indoors we can be comfortable. There have been thoughts that we can even worship outdoors at Faith when the weather is nice. Wouldn’t that be fun!! We will begin with worship on June 2nd at Mooreton Lutheran, then June 9th at Faith Lutheran and so on through-out the summer. There will not be any in person worship at either Faith Lutheran or Mooreton Lutheran on May 30th, since our summer schedule will begin so soon after the 30th. However, we will still have an online worship service on the 30th and throughout the summer months. Please watch for announcements concerning Vacation Bible School on our Parish website: flcmlc.org Before long, the rhythms of school life will come upon us, so be intentional this summer and rejoice in all the good things God brings into your life. Have a blessed summer! Love in Christ, Pastor Gordy