 Pastor’s
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“...there seemed to be a fire burning in my heart.” Jeremiah 20:9
Sitting before a campfire
on a cool August evening can be a very contemplative experience. The flames
dance on the logs and light up the night. The bright, dynamic life of the
fire can draw me into a quiet reverie. I find it easy to enter into the
vibrancy of the flames with their sudden spurts of energy and sparks of
life. Awe and surprise fill my heart when another piece of wood is placed on
the glowing embers and new flames suddenly fill the darkness with radiant
light.
Jeremiah uses the image
of fire with its intense light and penetrating heat to describe the presence
of God within him. This dance of God is a burning, searing, powerful,
passionate presence, a fire that kindles and transforms.
Jeremiah did not welcome
this flame of God within him. It seemed too much for him. He fought its
being there and even accused God of seducing him. In spite of his loud
protestations, Jeremiah did act on the dynamic burning in his heart. He
surrendered to the flame of God and allowed the love within him to fill him
with a passion for truth and justice. His voice blazed with God’s word.
At times we may feel like
Jeremiah in his initial resistance to the blaze of God’s love within him. We
may want the glowing, consoling feelings of God’s nearness, but not the
challenge and the force of it. The fire can too be demanding. We might be
fearful of getting too involved with God or afraid that this closeness could
ask us to change our lives. We may be unwilling to move out of our
comfortable inner quarters and risk the unknowns and insecurity of change.
Yet, the true disciple of Jesus is required to have a heart on fire with
God: “You are light for the world...your light must shine in people’s
sight...” (Mt 5: 13-16), Joyce Rupp, May I Have This Dance?, pp. 106-107.
May we welcome God’s
flame, dancing in our minds, our hearts, our spirits, and our lives. May we
be on fire with a passion for growth, for justice, and for Peace. And may
our lights shine so that all may see God’s love. l
Blessings, Pastor Sharyl
CHOIR POSITIONS OPEN!!!!!
Positions open: Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, Basses. No
others need apply.
*Physical qualifications: Must be able to carry light musical notes part way
across the sanctuary. Must have sufficient vision to see the director. (Are
you supposed to watch the director???)
*Experience: No applications will be accepted from persons who have not
sung, hummed, or whistled in the bathtub, shower, or elsewhere, at some time
in their lives.
*Beginning Wage: Increased satisfaction and joy in the service of God.
*Fringe Benefits: Social Security. We promise you the security of social
fellowship with other choir members and lots of FUN!
*Hours: Sunday morning rehearsal at 8:30a.m. (it’s not THAT early!!!)
Service at 10:00a.m. Beginning Sunday September 7th. There will be an
occasional opportunity for overtime.
*Retirement: Generally determined by the printed notes getting too small
(even with the help of a magnifying glass), the hymnal too heavy, notes too
high, the sanctuary too hot or cold, or the organist unable to play the
notes you sing. But we can work with most of these problems!!
*We are an equal opportunity employer!!
Contact: Karen Caton at 245-0193 or catch me in the music room on Sundays.
A CHOIR PIZZA & POTLUCK
night is planned for Tuesday, August 26th. All returning choir members and
ANYONE interested in checking out the choir are invited to attend. Pizza is
at 5:30 PM followed by a music read-through session from 7 to 8:30 PM.
Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. Plan to bring a salad, side dish or
dessert. Please RSVP to Karen (245-0193) if possible, OR just
show up! |
