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Hello St. John’s Family,
Now that summer’s “officially” here, many are experiencing the excitement of vacations and special trips that often mark the season. While the Leight family’s 2024 summer plans revolve around moving kids to and from internships and college, we’re still hoping to continue our summertime ritual of a day at Hersheypark. After all, summer just isn’t summer until you smell fresh kettle corn being made in 95° heat as dad tries to run everyone into the ground pursuing a record number of rollercoaster rides… all while dodging life-size walking chocolate bars. Good times, for sure!
I sense many of us have unique traditions and special places we like to visit; places that hold meaning for us and our families. For my family, Hersheypark is a place where multiple generations have enjoyed excitement, fun, and special memories over the years. Topsail Island in North Carolina is another. As is Camp Penn, a UMC church camp in Waynesboro, PA where 3 generations of our family have shared meaningful moments around the campfire circle. On one hand, those places are common places that anyone can visit. Yet for me, they are special… dare I say sacred.
When we hear the word sacred, our minds often go to religious sites or objects – items that are devoted to religious ceremony or use. Which, of course, are important aspects of that word. Yet I sense sacred encompasses more. Places, activities, and things that draw us into a deeper connection and fellowship with God and each other in a meaningful way, I believe, are sacred. That can occur in an explicitly religious context, and it can occur in the middle of nowhere, as the sun sets over a mountain. Even over Hersheypark. Opening ourselves to God’s presence in the moment at hand will reveal how, through God, sacred is possible anywhere.
I believe our experiences of meaningful moments grounded in special places are gifts from God. God knows how we are concrete beings; how we need to connect our experiences with something tangible, and the sacred spaces in our lives are one way we do that. In a world that is often full of challenges, difficulty, and setbacks, returning to a sacred spot serves to lift our spirits while reminding us we are not alone. God is with us; goodness and joy are near, even in the tough times.
Beginning this Sunday, we’ll be exploring the concept of “Sacred Spaces” during our worship services. We’ll look at scriptures that describe places we’d immediately think of as sacred… and some places we may not. Along the way, we’ll see how God’s presence is with us in surprising ways, bringing us meaning, restoration, healing, and joy! But… I need your help!
As part of our exploration of Sacred Spaces, I’d love for us to learn from each other about the meaningful places in our lives. So, if you have a picture or small memento of a place that’s sacred to you, consider bringing that to worship and placing it on a table at the front of our Sanctuary (all items should be labeled to ensure safe return!). We’ll pray over these items each week, thanking God for impacting us through these special places. Also, if you are willing to offer a brief written reflection about a sacred place in your life, I’d love to share that with the congregation. Please reach out to me for further details.
This Sunday, we’ll dive into the idea of “Sacred Spaces” by reflecting on a prayer King Solomon offered over a very sacred site. I hope you’ll check out 1 Kings 8:22-30 and 41-43, then join me in worship-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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