When the Gershwins wrote the musical, Porgy and Bess, they included a melancholy song written in a minor key. Through the years, favorite renditions of this song have been recorded by Billie Holiday, Mahalia Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Janis Joplin.
The lyrics begin, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy; fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high…”
Summertime in the life of St. John’s may not always be easy; but it certainly offers a varied rhythm. Participation in mission trips, camps, and food truck events provide unique memories. Special summer events mix in Some folks go to the beach quite often while others head to the mountains. Some do both. Some enjoy more time with family and others travel on vacations to fun destinations or to view beautiful scenery. Some of us enjoy baseball games, strawberries, ice cream, peaches, fresh vegetables, and farmer’s markets.
One aspect of summertime in the life of St. John’s is how attendance patterns fluctuate. However, I am proud of the ways you are faithful to be present if you are in town. Thank you. In addition, you are faithful in your financial support through the summer. Again, I appreciate your steadfastness and commitment.
Our worship this summer will provide opportunities for you to consider the kind of church our world needs. Our world has many needs. Can we respond to each need? Maybe. Maybe not. What we can offer them is a church that is woven together in love, Here is the way Eugene Petersen interprets Colossians 2 in The Message: “I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.” We can be woven together in love. Then, as we touch the needs of the world, God’s love works in us and through us to build a better world. I am grateful to our fine pastoral staff for sharing the pulpit with me this summer allowing me time for vacation, conferences, and to be with family. We all need time to enjoy days when ‘the fish are jumpin’.
Throughout this summer, I ask you to stay in touch with one another. Be present on Sundays when you are in town. Participate in our daily readings through our Divine Center Bible readings and prayer focus. Read the Family News. Read your Sunday School class weekly updates by email. And get ready to return with renewed energy after Labor Day. This autumn, we will focus our efforts on directions determined through this spring’s CONVERGE and Leadership Fair. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy hearing about your summertime.
