August, 20203
Beloved,
Can you think of any occasions where you give away hundreds of dollars to a total stranger?
Spirit of Abundance – I recently learned about someone who showed up one Sunday. He stopped by during church and told the front crew, “I don’t have any food, but I would like to give you money toward your boiler.” He then handed us a generous check. He might have learned about the capital campaign through the newsletter or a bulletin we give out when people stop by to give food on Sundays. Having learned about the campaign, he–a nonmember–made a generous contribution to help us buy a new boiler. Together with your incredible generosity, we are now at $51,787.50! Truly unbelievable!
Spirit of Malice – I wish I could share only the joyous news, but I also have a few challenging ones to report this month. As many of you know by now, we have been scammed. Someone pretending to be me sent a scam message asking for gift cards to help support a cancer patient. It was the second time it happened to me, and the words failed to express my anger and frustration about someone who would take advantage of you, my people. I received a separate message asking for a similar favor from someone who pretended to be our bishop the same weekend. I’ve also heard from colleagues from other churches who experienced the same gift-card scam attempt. Please know that I would never make such a request via text message or email. I am so sorry for you being targeted by such malice. Unfortunately, I don’t think this malicious trend will ever disappear, but it will only worsen. Please stay safe. Contact Reportfraud.ftc.gov and the state attorney. The local law enforcement number is 502-574-7111. When in doubt, ask me or the office when you feel suspicious so we can take action.
Spirit of Farewell – “For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Another challenging news is our beloved music director, Gary’s upcoming retirement coming at the end of August. After careful discernment during his sabbatical, he has decided to retire and spend more time with his wife, Teresa, and their grandchildren. The past eight years have flown by so fast that I still remember our first conversation about him coming to St. Paul’s. He welcomed and embraced the St. Alban’s choir members when they joined St. Paul’s. He nurtured many young talents from YPAS. He introduced us to many talented local artists, including the Commonwealth Brass Band of Louisville. During the staff meetings, I enjoyed the trust in openly sharing our lives and the guidance and wisdom to help me grow in administration. I’ll miss all of them, but I also know to wish him the best as he embarks on the new chapter. His last Sunday is 8/27/23. Let’s give him a heartfelt send-off with the reception.
Spirit of New Beginning – We have another baptism in August for Navy, a granddaughter of Linda and Benny Snyder. In July, we are blessed to baptize Prophecy. We are doing well in Christian Initiation this year for an aging congregation. New Christian Formation will begin in August. Wednesday mornings and nights, twenty people registered for a new book study – I heard the owl call my name. We will study the Gift of Empathy on Sunday mornings at 9 am. Meanwhile, Stephen Ministry began rigorous training in July to develop a solid pastoral care team. Please pray for everyone in this team training.
Spirit of Gratitude – “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love” (Ephesians 3:16-17). Spirit works in all kinds of ways in our lives. Being a spiritual person means opening our hearts for Christ to dwell within. Having Christ dwell in our hearts means compassionate listening, tireless forgiving, and abundant loving. Our faith in Christ challenges us always to choose love. That is how we build the kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. Let us pray.
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
