This week's E-pistle

Torrence's Weekly Message

“Ordinary Time”

This coming Sunday is one of the most exciting, exhilarating days in our Church Year: Pentecost. You might be thinking, “Torrence, you are sounding a bit over the top. Christmas, yes! Easter, yes! Exciting, definitely! Can anything else come close?” I say, “Yes!”

Pentecost is when the Spirit in the form of “tongues” like flame, appears to Christ’s followers. The season of Easter wraps up with all those “sightings” of the risen Jesus. Jesus has now “ascended” into heaven, but his promise of “Spirit” to be an ongoing Present Presence to invigorate, sustain, strengthen, enlighten their lives is coming. Pentecost marks that amazing moment. Pentecost is the SURPRISE that is like a lightening

bolt that captures our attention and sparks the reality that there is yet another manifestation (showing) of how the Divine interacts with life. It is a “showing” of the powerful insight that we are loved so much that the Divine energy wants to be deeply interwoven in our being and course through us as sure as the life blood which courses through our veins.

And it is critical. This energy of God we call the Spirit of God. Because what will follow for several months is what is called “Ordinary Time” in our Church Year. Although we welcome a more slowed down pace that this time presents and our natural season of summer offers, it is easy to get lulled into complacency and forget that life is still absolutely all about seeing and connecting with what is holy, life giving and energizing in all of life.

Having just been through an extraordinary time in my life (going through all the emotions that are “Easter” moments involving the cycle of death and then trying to recognize the presence of one I love in new though seemingly more distanced ways) I must admit I will welcome an extended spell of ordinary time which the cycle of life assures me will come softly but surely as the weeks ahead unfold. Gently moving into yes, a new, but more familiar rhythm of life. And yet, don’t we find we need to KNOW and FEEL that something “vital” is interwoven us, especially during ordinary times.

There must be something going on about our need to open to and experience the holy, the sacred, the special in ordinary, common times of life, because there have been so many books and articles written about this spiritual topic. Somehow, the time ahead for us this

summer can offer an interweaving of a slowed down pace while all of summer blooms with great energy around us. Look around you in summer – every aspect of God’s creation is shouting, “Look, look, look at what is happening!” It’s as if the Divine is saying, “This is what I can do with you!”

I believe the Spirit offered to us at Pentecost in the image of fire, is a “refining” energy, calling us to our essential nature, beckoning us to connect with each other and experience all of our surroundings in a very present, intense and intentional way. The Spirit connects all things; I believe in ordinary times it wants to show us that living in a deeper rhythm of connection to nature and each other will at the same time draw us into deeper relationship with the Divine. This is how, like in the rest of creation, we bloom and flourish.

Don’t miss this special Sunday. Experience the stirring of the Spirit as our kids wave their Pentecostal wands as they did last year, streaming red, yellow, orange ribbons over and around us during our Sunday morning procession. And by the way, don’t forget to wear something red!

. . . . . . . Torrence

Announcements

the haven's

"Just Gardens"

is Friday & Saturday.

Just Gardens is back and better than ever! Showcasing some of the most beautiful private country gardens in the Northern Neck, this two-day tour to benefit The Haven will take place this Friday and Saturday May 18 and 19. The gardens, during this rain or shine event will be open from 10 am until 4pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the days of the tour.

Click here for more information about the tour & to purchase advance tickets.

Are you interested in participating in the Vacation Bible School being held the week of June 18-22 offered by Warsaw Methodist and Warsaw Baptist churches ? I don't mean as a "camper" but as a "helper." I have been in discussion with the clergy at those two churches about how we at St. John's and Farnham might be a part of this special summer

event by helping in some way. It is held on five evenings (Monday- Friday) from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (2 evenings at the Methodist Church and 3 evenings at the Baptist Church).

The theme this year is "Jesus is my Super Hero." I will be finding out more about "helper" roles, but in the meantime, please let me know asap if you might be interested in joining me for one or more of the evenings to help out. Also, consider whether your kids or grandkids might enjoy being an actual participant.