Last week I wrote about all the special events that are on our horizon and while those are all very exciting, my heart was truly gladdened this past Sunday as we shared so many of the “normal” parts of church life. We had lots of kiddos in Sunday school. The choir was wonderful. There was a great group for adult Sunday school and we had a wonderful conversation about the Gospel of John. And Coffee Hour on the lawn was the perfect end to the morning.

“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 12:24

When Jesus spoke these words he was telling his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and die on the cross which was not something that they understood or wanted to hear. On this side of the resurrection, we have a fuller understanding of the picture that Jesus was painting for them. In God, all is redeemed. Even that which seemed over or lost is brought to new and abundant life. I even hear an echo of the life and grace given to us through the grain of wheat becoming our Eucharistic feast in worship.

This Sunday we will actually be starting a normal program year. It has been a while, and oh my goodness have I missed having everyone together. To celebrate, we will be having a special picnic after the 10:30 service. There will be hotdogs and Frito pies along with an ice cream sundae bar complete with all the toppings. Everything will be provided, all we need is for you to join us. Little ones are invited to bring swimsuits for the sprinklers and splashpads.

“The final secret, I think, is this: that the words “You shall love the Lord your God” become in the end less a command than a promise.” - Frederick Buechner

The theologian Frederic Buechner died a couple of weeks ago and the above quote came across my small phone screen soon thereafter. I have read some Buechner but had never seen this particular quote. It reminds me of one of the Gospel passages from John’s Gospel I often read at funerals (which we will read at Clyde Sloan’s funeral on Saturday) where Jesus is talking to the disciples and tells them that he is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. He tells them that they know the way to where he is going. Thomas pipes up and says, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

It is wonderful to be back at Holy Spirit after my sabbatical! I am grateful for the opportunity to have intentional time away. I’m especially thankful for our Vestry and lay leaders and our wonderful staff who did a really great job taking care of our beloved Holy Spirit Church. I have been glad to hear from so many of you how much you enjoyed Erin Jean. She certainly enjoyed being with you this summer.

For me, this summer was a fruitful time of prayer and renewal. I was blessed with a lot of intentional time with my family. We explored new places, churches, books, museums, restaurants and eateries (especially ice cream shops!), and more.

Every morning I drink my coffee (or tea, if Ian brews it) from a mug that’s labelled “My Greatest Blessings Call me Mom.” I picked this mug up maybe 20 years ago in Marshalls – a bargain basement purchase that spoke to my soul.

The older I get (and that’s pretty old!), the more I realize the truth of that statement. Though certainly not children any more in the common sense of the word, our sons are in their fifties and one in his sixties. So, Ian and I have known them for a very long time, and they’ve blessed our lives with their beauty of their lives—their successes, the things they’ve learned, the grandchildren they’ve given us, and the companionship they constantly all provide. However, I have one more great blessing and that’s Holy Spirit Church.

Often life presents challenges and celebratory moments, both small and awe-inspiring, when we need a touchstone—a constant—that helps us navigate through and stay grounded in such times. Christians, of course, have their faith to turn to as their “constant.”

Back in the spring when I was given the slot in August to write a piece for Spirit Shot, my mind went back into school mode, and I toyed with a few pieces that would bring to light the excitement of back to school. Once I’d decided what to write, I put the writing aside and moved on into summer and plans to vacay with my granddaughters and bonding time together with all my girls. The trip was set, the tickets bought, the condo reserved, and all that was left to do was get on the plane and enjoy! That elephant was hiding and ready to step out at any moment, but I ignored it and was totally convinced our plans were meant to be.