A Weekly Word from Chuck Cary- Friends I am grateful for your gracious response to last weeks email and hope that this lighter font will make for a clearer read. As always, I am open to your suggestions as we navigate the interim time here at Two South Main. We have much for which to be thankful, as local graduates receive their diplomas and families celebrate Father's Day. May your parties and gatherings be full of joy, and may they be safe.
Sunday worship includes recognition of High School graduates, the awarding of Deacons scholarships, and the Lord's Supper. Moderator Brenda Frankenbach will help us celebrate the accomplishments of our ten graduates and award the scholarships. Yours truly will deliver a communion meditation entitled, " A Word of Advice for the Class of '17", based on Psalm 116: 1-2, 12-19. Hymns include "Faith of Our Fathers", "O Christ The Same" (to the tune of Londonderry Air) "Come share the Lord" for communion and "Arise Your Light is Come" as the sending hymn. The Chancel Choir will sing "The Word of Life" with additional accompaniment by flutist Wendy Enstine. Sunday worship is the "bread and butter" of our life and witness. Your presence strengthens us and glorifies God.
Summer will not be an idle time at First Church. Already plans are underway for Vacation Bible School July 31 through August 4. The July 4th parade fundraiser for St Jude's Medical Center will happen as a hot dog sale in front of the sanctuary. Susan and David Birdsall will host a gala at their home also in support of St Jude's on Saturday July 15. Weekly worship for July and August will offer two services at 8:00 in the parlor (come as you are) and 10 in the sanctuary. Continue your financial support, enabling the church to meet all of its commitments in a timely way. Guests and visitors flood the east end. Invite them to worship and tell them about the life and witness of America's oldest Presbyterian congregation.
The rosebud and Bible on the pulpit this week welcome Sebastian Henry Grodski, born to Caroline and Chris Grodski. Grandparents include Rich and Kathy Grodski. Rejoice!
Recommended reading for the summer: Oliver Sacks' MD memoir composed just before he died entitled Gratitude: the Book of Ruth or Esther from the Old Testament; The Gospel of Matthew or the Letter to the Hebrews from the New. Revisit a book which shaped your faith as a child or young person. View a video of a commencement address or select an audio sermon from the virtual university or church. Nourish the heart, mind, and spirit in what you read or observe.
Prayer for the day: Gun violence has visited the heart of our nation O God, and a leader in our House of Representatives lies fallen. Violent rhetoric which knows no bounds rises and falls, sowing seeds of deeper divisions to which no one is immune. Save us from the madness which tempts us to take the law in our own hands. Remind us that there are more things we hold in common than things which keep us apart. Speed the day when we can work out our differences at the conference table, and find peace and reconciliation. Heal Representative Scalise and those who were wounded. We need your blessed Providence now more than ever. Hear our prayers in the great name of Jesus., the Prince of Peace. Amen.
See you in church!
