Yesterday I took a 9 mile hike through a beautiful White Oak forest.  It was amazing!  I don’t know what it is about being outside, cut off from everything, tuned into nature that creates thin places for me, or at least makes me aware that they are there.  What do I mean, “thin places”?

It is those moments and places where the distance and obstacles the separates us from God seem smallest, when this world and that seem to mingle and you would swear if only for a moment you caught a glimpse of God himself.  Maybe a smell in the air, a song on the wind, the smile in the face of a stranger, but for a moment of for a time you are here but somewhere else, or maybe somewhere else is here.  It is hard to say, but you know it when you have been there, when you have experienced it.

I love finding that time and stealing away.  It is with an expectation and a hope that I go to find him again in that unique way.  Sure I pray as I trust you do, I sing, I meditate on His word I do all those things but this is different, unique.  And I think we all experience it in different ways.

Sometimes it just happens, God breaks through when we didn’t expect it in ways and times when we wouldn’t have thought.  But there are familiar places too.  Places where we have met him more than once.  Places where our souls seem more free, our eyes and ears more attuned and spirits soar.  Where is that place for you?  When was the last time you went, and what keeps you from going more often.

If you haven’t been in a while I want to encourage you to go and get a glimpse of God.

Jerry

Father,

I thank you that you have said, “when we seek you, we will find you.”

a seeker,

Jerry

Man, I can’t believe it is almost May!  But we are going to have one amazing Summer.  Here are just a few events you are NOT gonna wanna miss: Mother’s Day Service (Carrie, Kristi & Jessie teaching); May 30  Dedication Sunday & Opening Day (Church Picnic & Softball game); June 11 – Movie Night; June 27 – Swedish Day’s Parade; July 2-3 – Men’s Camp-out; July 29-31 – Family Camp; Aug. 14 – Back to School Blow-Out (outreach); Sept. 3 – Movie Night; Sept. 5 – Baptism Service, and this doesn’t include our FREE Car clinic, HWM (High Water Marks), or a number or other events.

We will be doing a retro series with some wild throw back outfits, Our social Justice month, another “Sexy” Summer Series (Yuck, teenagers beware!), we will ordain a minister, have some guest speakers, and have place to be in some local parks.

I hope you sense this summer is going to be ridiculous, so make plans to laugh, cry, invite friends, feel challenged and challenge others.  This is going to be the best summer even!

Father,

Thank you for the seasons.  Thanks for this beautiful river valley and opportunity to take advantage of it.  Help us never take for granted the great natural blessings that are everywhere and help us make the most of each season for what it is.

In awe,

Your son

Well we just had our third Easter Service in the Randall 15 IMAX theater and our very first two service day.  It was awesome!  I mean the worship was good, the teaching was good (or so I was told), but what made it so amazing to me was all the people who really stepped up and made it work.

We had people at the Theater at 5:15am……….that’s right, 5:15am, talk about your stubs.  We had people come out of the woodwork to take care of coffee, greeting, kids, communion and the list goes on and on and on.  Then many of those same crazy/amazing people stuck around to clean it all up!  WOW!  We have the coolest and most inspiring group of people I have ever been around.

Anyway, we got a lot of great reports and the reason is all of you who made it happen, thanks.

Thanks for creating a welcoming environment for me and my family to come and experience the miracle of Easter.

Jerry

Father,

Thanks for allowing me the privilege of serving such a great faith community.

Jerry