As I write this, the breeze is blowing that special smell of soil that comes after a big rain. I can smell lilac blossoms and cut grass. At home, my kids’ schools are wrapping up their projects and inviting parents to come and see the fruits of a busy year of learning. As we turn our attention to the Memorial Day activities and plans for the month of June, I can’t help but feel wonder at the rhythms of God’s good creation.

I marvel at the recent Community Cookout, our first of the year in May. Deacon Kirsten organized some members to leaflet homes around the church and their hard work bore good fruit. Ninety-some neighbors gathered around a simple BBQ motivated only by the promise of a table and the opportunity to meet other people from the community. What else will this summer invitation of relationship building and getting out into the world bring?

In worship during June, our readings from the Gospel of Mark bring us back to the villages nearby the Sea of Galilee and the fertile farmland all around it. Stories of trial and error by the disciples mixed with stories of the new life and resurrection Jesus brings will pepper the Gospel readings of the coming weeks. Right alongside those familiar stories, we’ll read a series of readings from 2nd Corinthians which, though they’re a little dense, show the Apostle Paul answering questions that all of of share: How is the Spirit at work among us? How does the Spirit still use us when our bodies fail us? How is God’s power different than the power of kings and nations?

As we celebrate the arrival of summer, here at church we’re aware that many of our members are coming and going from family events and vacations. With that in mind, on behalf of the church council I have two requests:

1.	If you haven’t organized regular electronic giving through Simply Giving, please prayerfully consider it! You can set it up yourself by clicking “donate” on our website OR just call the office and we’ll help you get it organized.
2.	Bring our Sunday Worship with you wherever you go with our Sunday Livestream! You’ll get straight to our YouTube channel if you search www.youtube.com/@flcoc on your internet browser. Click the “Live” button to see any of the upcoming or recent live-streamed worship services.

On another practical note, I want to share that during the summer I plan to be in the office and doing visits from Monday to Wednesday. On Thursdays, I’ll plan to work from home. Our office will continue our regular schedule of M-Th and 9-3.

I’m looking forward to a season of connection. I’m excited to connect with nature and the garden. I’m excited to connect with our members and the neighbors who come to our Community Cookouts.

I’m looking forward to connecting with you, too!
Pastor Colin