Greetings!
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
Everywhere you go right now, you'll find stores overflowing with folks getting ready to go back to school. Parents are firing up long lists of back to school items to be bought along with clothes and other equipment. Even those individuals and families who don't have anyone going back to school can pick up a certain energy and anxiety in the air right now. We all need an oasis in times like these!
Plato said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." In that spirit and in the spirit of providing a place for the weary and burdened I would invite you to think about those you encounter during these dog days of August. Christ challenges us to be mindful of the burden we all carry. Just as we are drawn toward that image of being the hands and feet of Christ we are also people who build each other up. We might be the person who opens our arms to provide a healing embrace to someone hurting and greiving, we might be the person who speaks a word of encouragement to the downtrodden and hurting and we might be the person who goes the extra mile to extend Christ's radical hospitality and connection to the lonely.
We carry an empowerment that comes from the embrace of Christ upon our lives throug faith. Ignite the faith of others in a God of grace through your kind and generous ways in these difficult days.
For those looking for a church home..."Pizza with the Pastor" - This Sunday, following the 10:45 worship, I will hold another "Pizza with the Pastor." This is an opportunity for anyone wanting to learn more about the vision, mission and future of Pleasant Valley UMC to discuss it with me. You will also hear how you can best get involved with PV as a new member of this church family. Contact me, Pastor Nathan Stanton at nathans@pvumc.com.
All roads lead to Galveston - Sunday at 5p.m., youth and adult members of the mission team who went to Galveston, Texas this summer will share their faith and experiences representing Pleasant Valley UMC on the coast. Refreshments will be provided.
5 to the 5th Power - The fifth Sunday of this month, August 29, Pleasant Valley will be the hands and feet of Jesus for our neighborhood. Our Mission and Service Committee will provide opportunities for everyone to get involved by serving our community. Come prepared by dressing casual for church, grab a bite to eat after church and get ready to make a difference in our community and greater world!
Ignite faith in the lives of others by inviting them to join you for worship, a class or a fellowship time this month. By doing so, you pass on the light of Jesus Christ!
Grace and peace to you all,
Nathan D. Stanton
Senior Pastor,
Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church |
