Dear Brothers, Sisters and friends of Immanuel,

     As I’m writing this, we are in the middle of a serious heat wave.  Warnings have been issued to stay hydrated, keep cool, don’t leave kids or pets in the car and in general be safe.  And yet in spite of the reality of today – I’m looking ahead to next month- and wondering what August will bring…

     Well, for starters – most families will have returned from vacations just in time for school to resume mid-August.  Shopping for new clothes and school supplies will begin and continue till the sales are over.  The Presidential election campaigning will continue whether we like it or not – more than likely the unrest in parts of the world – including here in our own country  – will also continue.  Our day to day lives continue on, much as they have been.  Does it seem like nothing ever changes – that it is always the same ol’ same ol’?

     Except that our lives do change – daily even.  Each day we are a new creation – we wake up different than the day before because we are always the sum of all of our experiences.  And – we are made new each day as baptized members of the body of Christ.  We are made new each day to go out and be God’s hands and feet and voice in all that we do – no matter how mundane and ordinary.  We are made new each day to be the answer to someone’s prayer – through our actions and yes, even our words. 

     So my invitation for all of us is to pay attention to the newness of each day – pay attention to how our prayers get answered through the actions of others – pay attention to the wonder of the world around us  – pay attention and give thanks.

     Enjoy the rest of your summer – and I’ll see you in worship!!

                                                                   Pr. Vicki