Summer's End
All week long the comics in the Seattle Times have been talking about returning to school or squeezing the last moments of pleasure from summer vacation. Many of us will be camping or vacationing on Labor Day weekend, doing our best to get that last bit of fun before the fall arrives, school starts, the commute traffic gets heavier, and vacations are behind us.
I’ve noticed for myself that I can get almost frantic about trying to enjoy these times of recreation and rest. Not just with summer vacation either. Even on a daily basis I can get anxious about getting enough time at the end of the day to relax before I have to go to sleep and start the whole thing over again in the morning. Have you ever felt that way?
Last night I had a different experience. I am a member of our Mission Discernment Group and we met last night. We started with a casual check-in time, talking about our lives since the last time we met and generally chatting. Then, after an opening prayer and lighting a candle, we read the second chapter of Ephesians. For the next forty-five minutes we discussed Paul’s words. We talked about what was challenging and what was encouraging. We talked about what these words mean to us personally.
After our study of Ephesians we shared our “home-work” assignment from the previous meeting. Each of us shared what we believe are the strengths and gifts of St. Dunstan's Church. After discussing these strengths we shifted to our closing-prayer ritual. Each of us shared prayers for ourselves, for people in our lives and for our congregation, finishing with the Lord’s Prayer.
This time of fellowship, prayer, and listening for God’s guidance was enlivening. If I had spent that same time watching summer reruns of my favorite shows, I would not have been fed in the same way. This small group experience gave me energy and left me feeling more rested than when I began.
There is a cost to faith. There is a cost to participating in a small group or ministry team. The key, in my experience, is to commit to those ministries and relationships that give us life. Look for the activities, groups and programs where you will be deepening relationships with other people. If you want to deepen your spiritual life, join a small group Bible Study where you can get to know your fellow group members as you all get to know Jesus. If you want to make a difference through mission or outreach, look for activities where you can come face to face with the very people you are serving.
Each of these life giving activities has in common two things: building relationships with people and building our relationship with God. When we have the two together, we are fed. When we strengthen our relationship with our neighbor we strengthen our relationship with God. When we strengthen our relationship with God in the context of our relationship with others, we are fed in profound ways.
Your brother in Christ,
The Rev. David Marshall
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Community Engagement
"You should have seen their eyes shine."
Our annual school supply drive for homeless students is halfway there! The first delivery of supplies was made this week. The director of the program sent the following e-mail in response:
"Again, thanks so much for your church’s donations! I’ve already handed out some of your back packs and school supplies to 6 students today! You should have seen their eyes shine! Sincerely, Ruth"
If you have not had a chance to make a donation of supplies or money, the school supply drive will run through the last Sunday in September. If you have already made a donation, thank you! Please contact Kathy Newman at 206-365-0677 for more information.
Upcoming Events in our Congreational Life
Remember the Church Office will be closed Monday, September 6 in honor of Labor Day.
Please plan to attend Sunday September 12, Kick-off Sunday, at 9:30 am, with Dixieland Jazz worship service, followed by a pot-luck barbeque. Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be provided; please bring a salad, side or dessert to share. There will be games for all and a Tigger the Tiger bouncy funhouse for children. Sunday School and Youth Group registration is open now. Registration forms are available in the Narthex or online at the website, and may be mailed or turned into the church office.
St. Dunstan and the Meddlesome Medieval Murder Mystery & Auction is happening on Friday, September 17! Join St. Dunstan’s for mirth, meat, mead, mocha and mystery! Doors open at 6:30 pm. Advance ticket sales only-$15 per person. St. Dunstan's parishioners get up to $3 off the ticket price for each food bank donation ($1 per item).Ticket sales in the Narthex on Sundays. The play is a hoot and we have planned a great menu and are collecting fabulous auction items. Please contact Diana Rall at dtoshiba@comcast.net or call 206-660-9156 for more information.
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