It's summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime, summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime, summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime, summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime summertime...
That song was released by the Jamies in 1958. I’m using the introductory lyrics of the song to begin my letter to you today because it is Summer and even though we don’t officially take a vacation from church for the entire Summer, we can relax a little, have a little more fun, and take some time away. So, that said, I hope this article won’t be as heavy and disconcerting as my newsletter entries have been during the last few months.
DO YOU NEED SOME GOOD READING FOR THE SUMMER?
I know Karen Wambaugh, the LeValley Church librarian, gives us a synopsis of some excellent books from the LeValley library each month, but I have been reading a fantastic series of fiction books over the last 3 months that I have to share with you. I must confess that I am addicted to them. There are 10 books in the original series and a total of 32 that have been published. They are written by Christian author Karen Kingsbury. You might remember that our daughter Jennifer and I attended her retreat in Franklin, Tennessee, in April. I am already into book number 22.
Yes, I have spent much of my free time reading recently, but these books are also easy reads. One book could be read in just a day or two, if several hours a day were spent reading. I tell you this, so that if you are going on vacation, or just sitting outdoors on a warm, sunny day, you might want to dive into this series. All of Kingsbury’s books explore relationships and her characters’ Spiritual lives. Just like the characters in the two series read by the LeValley book club, the people in Karen Kingsbury’s novels become real people as you read.
Something else I really appreciate is the amount of scripture she intertwines into her stories. The characters look to God for answers and most often a scripture comes to their minds as an answer. I regret that I didn’t make a list of all the verses.
I am going to suggest a portion of this series as the next read for the book club. I’ll let everyone know what we decide because I make the books available to everyone, even if you can’t or don’t want to attend the book club on Thursday mornings.
The primary scripture in the series is one I hope applies to all of us and one of many that I encourage each of us to memorize.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
TIDBITS FROM THE PASTOR
Just a few more things to ponder during July and August for both churches. What is our vision for the future? What are our churches going to look like next year and 10 years from now? How can we be creative in Jesus’ mission for us?
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20(NIV)
If you are not a member of LeValley or Berlin Center, would you like to join? If you have a young person in your family, would he or she be interested in a confirmation class?
These ideas are not limited. You may have your own that are on your heart and in your mind. If you want others to be thinking about them, let me know and I will publicize them in future bulletins and newsletters.
In the meantime, have a restful, enjoyable summer that I hope includes being in worship on Sunday morning.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
