Here, at St. Luke's on the Lake, we have just completed our annual Vacation Bible School. The campus was transformed to Babylon. All of the courageous stories of Daniel - remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - were retold to an audience of 235 children. In addition, 145 volunteers helped to stage this incredible week of honoring "the one, true God."
An important piece of VBS at SLOL is the service angle. For years, the leadership of this ministry has concentrated on serving those who do not have a church home. It is great fun to see visitors and newcomers attend VBS, and participate in the fun and joy of the week. We trust the Holy Spirit has called them here, just as the regular worshippers are called to attend, to volunteer and to lead. God blesses all God's people, and God is blessed when there is a special effort to serve others. The Good Samaritan and other bible stories remind us of the need to serve the stranger. What faithful stewardship and honoring of God were displayed by so many, from every generation, this past week!
How do you honor God by serving others, especially during the ordinary times of life? VBS is a special week in the lives of all who are a part of such a spirit-filled community. What lessons of honoring God and serving others might spill over during the ordinary times? My guess is that there are more instances than you might think. After all, the motivation that galvanized the VBS community is ever present.
Blessings, Fr. Mike
Monday, June 18, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Taking a Moment
We have all received the advice to slow down, relax, and enjoy the summer months. I hope you will follow that advice. Remember, our God rested on the Sabbath!
For me, one of the activities that actually picks up in the summer is reading. I read a lot, but even more so in the summer. It is one of the ways I slow down, relax and enjoy. On my list are some religious books - on Jesuit Spirituality, some articles about and by John Wesley, a collection of Old Testament sermons by Fleming Rutledge - some history books, and a few novels.
As I read, I will often catch a glimpse of the holy. It can happen to me whether I am reading a beach novel or slogging through some heavy theology. Like a vision, the holy moment will take my emotions in a different direction. Perhaps, it is a twist or unexpected part of the story, or even a phrase that is structured in certain way. Regardless of how the sentence or paragraph or page or story is read, I receive it in a profound way.
This is, I believe, a moment of prayer, a holy instance, a divine presence. God wants to communicate with us. He desires to reassure us, to heal us, to draw us closer to Him. We have all experienced that in reading and hearing the word of God, individually and corporately. Sometimes, for me, it takes place in the still, silent voice of reading other things as well. Where does God "speak" or "visit" you? When does God take your breath away? What are you doing or not doing when such moments occur? How can this summer be a chance for you to spend time with the Lord in such ways that you slow down, relax and enjoy?
Finally, and here is the challenge for me. I am now trying to discipline myself to put the book down when I have such "Aha" moments. The next chapter will need to wait!
Blessings, Mike
We have all received the advice to slow down, relax, and enjoy the summer months. I hope you will follow that advice. Remember, our God rested on the Sabbath!
For me, one of the activities that actually picks up in the summer is reading. I read a lot, but even more so in the summer. It is one of the ways I slow down, relax and enjoy. On my list are some religious books - on Jesuit Spirituality, some articles about and by John Wesley, a collection of Old Testament sermons by Fleming Rutledge - some history books, and a few novels.
As I read, I will often catch a glimpse of the holy. It can happen to me whether I am reading a beach novel or slogging through some heavy theology. Like a vision, the holy moment will take my emotions in a different direction. Perhaps, it is a twist or unexpected part of the story, or even a phrase that is structured in certain way. Regardless of how the sentence or paragraph or page or story is read, I receive it in a profound way.
This is, I believe, a moment of prayer, a holy instance, a divine presence. God wants to communicate with us. He desires to reassure us, to heal us, to draw us closer to Him. We have all experienced that in reading and hearing the word of God, individually and corporately. Sometimes, for me, it takes place in the still, silent voice of reading other things as well. Where does God "speak" or "visit" you? When does God take your breath away? What are you doing or not doing when such moments occur? How can this summer be a chance for you to spend time with the Lord in such ways that you slow down, relax and enjoy?
Finally, and here is the challenge for me. I am now trying to discipline myself to put the book down when I have such "Aha" moments. The next chapter will need to wait!
Blessings, Mike
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