HELLO WONDERFUL PEOPLE,

WOW, what a spring, so many storms and tornados throughout the country. May has been one to remember weather-wise. May the storms simmer down, and we have a calm pleasant summer. Many of you know Mary, Kate, and Emily from Mary’s church, and I are attending a program through the conference called ICD. (Institute for Congregational Development.) It is a 10-month learning experience for clergy and laity to explore diverse ways for churches to reach out to members, friends, and new people who may never walk through our doors and still reach out to them for Jesus Christ. We are learning from these leaders who are reversing the trend of dying churches by breaking down barriers and physically tearing down walls. We have completed only three sessions and have learned and experienced many uplifting and exciting ideas. These individuals whom we have met so far are not or were not afraid to explore new ways of reaching out, inviting, and building relationships all in Jesus’ name. They have shared their experiences of the difficulties the trials and excitement of watching GOD move and grow the kingdom with those who are willing to follow where the Spirit leads them. As you all know I am a Shepherding preacher of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit we just celebrated on PENTECOST, the Spirit that Jesus breathes into all people, the same Holy Spirit that is alive and inside all of us. Do you feel it, do you witness it, do you give in to it? This summer we will be with family and friends on vacation, fun, sun, water, and lots of Spirit-filled memories. That is what life is all about. We live for this season every year and the plans and excitement of the time well spent. The times and places will be seeded in our minds for all eternity. Even now as you read this are thinking of memories of summers gone by no matter if we were 10 years old or just last weekend. The feelings we had at that time come welling up inside and “POOF” we are there! Every detail, every word spoken, or steps taken, food eaten, and fellowship with those we love and love to spend time with! Life is wonderful, life is exhilarating, life is what we make of it. What are you making in the name of Jesus? Yes, who do you think makes this all possible? Who has given up worldly life so we all can live a better life than the best life here? We treasure and reminisce all the time of all the wonderful moments. What about the eternal life we all will be sharing with our King, His Son, and His Spirit who has kept us all connected from the time of conception to eternity and beyond? Keep being open to where the Spirit leads us. It is a journey here and beyond. Let us be open to new and innovative ways of bringing people to Jesus Christ. That is the plan that is the purpose that is “THE WAY” Let us join together in bringing light and truth to this broken world for the one who Ministered, sacrificed, and LOVES us so much and for us all to have wonderful memories that will last this lifetime and beyond! Go out and make those memories! Begin today!

Love and Laughter
Pastor Paul†