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The Rev. Dr. Kathryn C. Smith joins us through the Fall! |
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Dear Bayfield Friends:
We are heading into September already. Pastor Lawrence's sabbatical continues. I am thoroughly enjoying being with you each week into mid-October! I've met many of you already. If you are able I look forward to seeing some of the folks face to face who are worshiping online.
During August and September I am doing two things with my sermons. First, I am considering the biblical texts for the season, (the gospel readings are from Matthew). In August we have reviewed many parables about the kingdom of God. Second, I am reflecting on a book I've been reading, Joy Together: Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation, by Lynne M. Baab. In August I included thoughts on fasting, discipline, hospitality and discernment. In September I will be adding contemplation of scripture, the dangers of legalism, thankfulness and sabbath. I am convinced that spiritual practices like those mentioned above are key to the health and future of congregations. Spiritual Practices ground us in the presence of God and in the work of the church. As we spend time with God and one another in these practices we may find that discernment is not so mysterious. We may even discover we are energized by our always reforming theology, our identity as God's own and as a congregation called to a specific place in God's world. I am interested to know what you think...
Then, on September 17 we will welcome PCUSA mission worker Josh Heikkla. Please see the article in this newsletter for more information.
As we move into the fall together I hope you find time for deep appreciation for this beautiful Creation and the way the Bayfield area reflects God's grace and generosity toward us. This is traditionally a harvest time and we might all challenge ourselves to think about what a harvest looks like in the church today. Has it changed? Do we recognize the fields we are called to work in and care for? In a challenging time in history you can be confident that this is a place with gifts, talents and love to share.
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Kathy
We are heading into September already. Pastor Lawrence's sabbatical continues. I am thoroughly enjoying being with you each week into mid-October! I've met many of you already. If you are able I look forward to seeing some of the folks face to face who are worshiping online.
During August and September I am doing two things with my sermons. First, I am considering the biblical texts for the season, (the gospel readings are from Matthew). In August we have reviewed many parables about the kingdom of God. Second, I am reflecting on a book I've been reading, Joy Together: Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation, by Lynne M. Baab. In August I included thoughts on fasting, discipline, hospitality and discernment. In September I will be adding contemplation of scripture, the dangers of legalism, thankfulness and sabbath. I am convinced that spiritual practices like those mentioned above are key to the health and future of congregations. Spiritual Practices ground us in the presence of God and in the work of the church. As we spend time with God and one another in these practices we may find that discernment is not so mysterious. We may even discover we are energized by our always reforming theology, our identity as God's own and as a congregation called to a specific place in God's world. I am interested to know what you think...
Then, on September 17 we will welcome PCUSA mission worker Josh Heikkla. Please see the article in this newsletter for more information.
As we move into the fall together I hope you find time for deep appreciation for this beautiful Creation and the way the Bayfield area reflects God's grace and generosity toward us. This is traditionally a harvest time and we might all challenge ourselves to think about what a harvest looks like in the church today. Has it changed? Do we recognize the fields we are called to work in and care for? In a challenging time in history you can be confident that this is a place with gifts, talents and love to share.
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Kathy
