Jody's Journal

August 2, 2007

Dear Family and Friends at the Kirk,

I continue to be grateful for the variety of worship services we are enjoying this summer at the Kirk. Last week I found the Healing and Wholeness service very moving as we brought before God our need for healing of that which is broken within us-- physically, spiritually and relationally. I am grateful for those who felt comfortable enough to come forward and share their requests for themselves or others. God’s loving Spirit was among us.

This week the theme of the service is Contemporary. I have enjoyed working with Mary Kay and Ken Purchase in preparing for this service. I thank Psalm 150 for their leadership in music. I think you will find this to be a wonderful time of praise and thanksgiving as we experience worship in a new way. In preparing myself for this service I discovered something. This “contemporary” service is actually very old. Come Sunday and see how this is true.

This Sunday will also be the last Sunday Susan Sexton is with us as our Summer Intern. I know I speak for many people when I say thank you Susan for your presence and ministry among us. We have been blessed. We wish her God’s blessing as she continues her studies at Union-PSCE.

This week the staff also gathered for our monthly strategic planning meeting. We looked ahead to the fall (which is not that far ahead). I was excited to discuss plans for the Wednesday Night Live starting in September. I am also preparing for the Disciple Bible Study and look forward to joining others in teaching that course. There are many, many opportunities at the Kirk to be involved and to serve. There are choirs, classes, small groups, mission opportunities and much more. I hope you will find the place God calls you for renewal and service. Let me or one of the staff know if you would like to talk more about those possibilities.

As the summer comes to a close, I am hoping you are finding some Sabbath-time of renewal. In my devotional reading I am reminded again and again of the movement Jesus and his followers make from a life of active service balanced with rest and renewal.

With thanks for you all,

Jody