“For though the Lord is high, He regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.” (Psalm 138)
As we enter into the summer months here in our desert home, we begin to notice an increase in the needs of those who seek out the church for help. they are without shelter or food, sometimes living with mental health issues, or just looking for respite from the heat. We may sometimes lose patience with serving those who are struggling or desperate in so many ways. Our mission to share the heart of Christ in the heart of the city is only possible, because of the countless ways God has regard for us. Through the birth of the savior, Jesus; in the ways the Spirit has shown up in the lives of ones we love, and the promise that we are loved and forgiven by God and that we are never alone. Prayer and being centered in the Word has never ceased to help me to maintain my energy and compassion in these difficult and sweaty days. All the more, we need each other, our partnerships, and the faith community to continue to worship and serve, all those who pray for us, and ways to provide for our needs.
I am hopeful that we might be able to open up the church again this summer to provide a place to escape the heat on Sunday afternoons. We call it Summer’s Cool! The City has cooling stations setup when the heat spikes, but they are usually not open on Sundays. This will require a few volunteers to hang out and distribute snacks or watch a movie in Edwins Hall. Look for a signup sheet soon. Thanks to all who have donated cases of water, we are able to help our neighbors stay hydrated. At the Senior Meal Program, we are in the process of moving from a to-go meal back to table service, and this should be in place by the end of this month. It’s helpful to control clean up, and building community with that group. As always, we can use more meal hosts here at church during the week!
In addition to serving, we are looking forward to getting to know one another and having time for fellowship! I know many have enjoyed having snacks and coffee in the courtyard on Sundays after worship, thanks to all who have provided and organized this effort. We will organize a monthly church breakfast, beginning with June 3rd at the Omelet House (Rancho and Charleston) at 9:30am!
This summer, our worship will continue to focus on our connection to the world around us and God’s love for all of us. Sunday June 5th is Pentecost Sunday (wear red!) and then we’ll follow with a sermon series on “Good News for the Messed Up.” We’ll spend 5 weeks in The First Letter of Peter, and then finish the summer with the Book of Ruth. Our youth group already has a great lineup of events planned, thanks to Marissa, and we look forward to hosting Vacation Bible School July 25-29th.
Summer brings family vacations this year! (We missed this over the last couple years!) We’ll be camping (somewhere in Utah) with the Girl Scouts over Memorial Day weekend. We’ll have Pastor Paul Hansen to preach and lead worship on May 29th (his birthday). The Adams family will be in San Diego July 3-10. We’ll have a Vegas staycation in August.
Living Hope will be well represented at the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly June 10-11 in Mesa, AZ. Masking will be required at the event to help keep everyone safe.
In all we do, we remember that God is leading us, calling us, sending us, and drawing near to us in all our needs. Thank you for all the ways you Show Up! and contribute, lead, worship, give, and participate in the mission we share here at Living Hope! I am grateful to be in ministry with you here in the heart of the city!
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
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