Encouraging Words: Refresh and Recommit

I trust that you are all enjoying a renewing and refreshing summer season. Have you found time to travel to the beach or the mountains? Have you gone swimming in a neighborhood pool, or spent time with family and friends? I pray so. We need time to rest and relax. We need time to rest our body, mind and spirit. We also need time to fellowship with God. Yes, we need time to worship God, and I encourage you, at home or away, to find time to worship.

The “Hills” have been alive with the sound of ministry in July. We have been studying the Sermon on the Mount, and we have provided and celebrated Vacation Bible School “number one”. It was a fantastic week, I am grateful to Dee Wells and Cheryl Spell and the dozens of leaders and volunteers that worked so hard to make VBS week happen!

I used the term Vacation Bible School “number one” purposely, because we have VBS “number two” coming up this month as we invite the children from Overland Gardens to our church. We anticipate a good number, and I know that more people are needed to help out, so if you have a day or two or three that you can give, please see Peggy Kullberg.

Soon the summer season will be over, and it will be time to reconnect. Soon the schools will open and we will be opening the door to a brand new church year, days that are often filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Many who have been away for much of the summer will be returning. Core ministries will begin again.

Back to Church Sunday is one way we can reconnect with members, friends, and with the community at-large and is scheduled for September 16th. Our theme is “You Belong Here”. Please make it a point to be here for Sunday School and worship. Invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or family member to come with you. Let’s grow together in our understanding of what it means, not just to go to church, but to BE the church!

A sad note! Our former organist, Eleanor Allen Flottman passed away on Sunday, June 24th, in Camden, Maine where she has been living for many years. Eleanor began her ministry with MHBC on January 7, 1973 and served for over 28 years. She was an outstanding musician, a remarkably gifted person, but more, she was one who possessed a real sensitivity and understanding of the role of music in worship. She truly helped us to feel the presence of God. I reflect today on the countless worship services, weddings, and funerals that Eleanor provided such beautiful music for. She touched so many lives, young and old alike, and was an inspiration to so many of us. Our prayers and sympathy are extended to her son Billy, her sister Pat, and her nephew Corey.

So, we remember one whom we have loved and lost, but we also look forward to coming back home to the ones we love now. See you in church!

In Christ, Pastor Joel