Dear Middletown Reformed Church Family and Friends, Blessings of Pentecost joy be with you! On Thursday, Beverly Scarano sent our Children and Youth teachers a wonderful article about ways for those who minister to children to take care of themselves during the summer. Even though the author Sue Lennartson is speaking to people in ministry, I thought it was great advice for anyone who is called to be the hands and feet of Christ in this world. And as people who follow Jesus, that means us at MRC. Certainly, we can all agree it’s been a long and challenging 16 months. So, I’m passing along the article in order that you will be encouraged to listen to what your body and soul are telling you, and you will also seek ways to restore yourself this summer. Be gentle with yourself, beloved, because “you are a treasure.” 25 Ways to Refresh Yourself If you aren’t, it’s time to start. Don’t be a martyr. You can’t serve yourself, your family, the church, or children/people by working yourself into the ground. Make a point this summer to slow down, refresh, and renew. Here are 25 ways to refill your cup today. 1. Is there a park nearby? 2. Seek people who make you laugh. 3. Go on an adventure. 4. Spend time with a spiritual mentor. 5. Go on a picnic. 6. Play. 7. Schedule a creative, fun lunch or coffee break. 8. Get a sketchpad and pencil. 9. Go for a swim. 10. Go for a brisk walk. 11. Is there a basketball hoop nearby? 12. Launch balloons or beach balls in your work area. 13. Get comfortable and close your eyes. 14. Plant something. 15. Get a massage. 16. Show gratitude. 17. Write a psalm. 18. Listen to your favorite music. 19. Try your hand at an art project. 20. Stretch for 10 minutes. 21. Go to a farmer’s market, an art fair, or a music festival. 22. Put yourself in a new situation. 23. Look at your schedule. 24. Ask someone to be your “coach,” someone who’ll invest in you. 25. Plant yourself in a small group. Jesus Moved Jesus spent time with the 5,000, before the masses, who were looking to him, listening to his every word, and tugging at him. It was a long day. When the disciples alerted Jesus that it was time to eat, Jesus delegated the task to his disciples and also used the resources of a boy with a basket of fish and bread. Through a miracle, Jesus fed the 5,000. But Jesus didn’t spend all his time with the masses. Jesus moved. Jesus moved to be with close friends—brunch with Mary and Martha. Time to be, to talk, time to enjoy a meal, and time to discuss life. Jesus was in relationship with people. He knew that friends are those we do life with. He understood that healthy friendships are sources for refreshment. But Jesus didn’t spend all his time with friends. Jesus moved. Jesus moved to be alone. Jesus, in his years of ministry, demonstrated balance. He didn’t heal everyone who was ill, nor feed all who were hungry, nor perform millions of miracles. He moved as he was called to do. Why do you exist? Why are you here on this earth? Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights”—Habakkuk 3:17-19.
I’m looking forward to continuing our celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit with you at 10:30 AM this Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Our featured musician is Judith Daugherty, and she will be playing “Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers” for our Prelude and “This is My Song” for our Anthem. The Scripture lesson is from 2 Corinthians 12.1-10 and I have the joy of co-preaching with Jamie Zeller this Sunday. The sermon title is When Grace is Enough. We will also gather around God’s table of extravagant welcome and celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together. Unfortunately, due to our video technicians being out of town this weekend for the holiday, we are unable to livestream worship this Sunday. A recorded version will be available later on our YouTube channel — MRC: A Fabulous Church of Love. For those worshiping, masks and social distancing are optional. Take good care of you, beloved one of God. May you have joy, peace, and rejuvenation in the Lord this summer and beyond. See you Sunday! In gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you, Pastor Trish |