From the Pastor’s Desk

In May, we hosted the “Let the Land Say… Amen” festival. All who participated felt as though our efforts were well worth it. Folks traveled from Liberia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other places to attend. We heard so many positive comments about how the weekend impacted them. Comments such as:

• “I was running away from a call into ordained ministry but this weekend confirmed for me my calling”
• “Thank you for putting on a festival that challenges racism in our society.”
• “Walking in these woods gives me a sense of peace like I have never felt before.”
• “Thank you for telling the story of my family that I didn’t know anything about.”

I have been contacted by several people who read about the festival in the news or saw one of the news reports. They have called to tell us “thanks” and “job well done.”
So now the next step for us to consider is discernment about what is this leading us into becoming as a congregation. Session began to discuss that question in its May meeting. The festival organizers are asking those questions as well. And we want the entire congregation to be involved in this discernment. So please pray for all of us as we seek to listen to what God is saying and calling us to become.

Peace,
Sam

Devotion:

Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

• In light of the recent festival what do we sense God guiding us to be about as a congregation?
• How can we live out the words from the Old testament prophet Micah?
• Are we willing to truly be open to what God is guiding us to become which may require us to do some things differently or to think in a new way?
• What are some specific ways that we are called to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with God?