In 1906, Willis Carter filed a patent for the first modern air-conditioning device called the "Apparatus for Treating Air." This Apparatus changed everything from how long and far food could be transported to where people could live, to the sort of architecture that became prominent across America.  As I sit writing this totw, I enjoy the gentle cool breeze of A/C that allows me to not only be much more comfortable, but also more focused and productive than if the office were 90+ degrees.  There is a lot to be thankful for in A/C.  Actually there are a lot of inventions that we take for granted that change our worlds.  The more common the experience of something the more we take it for granted. 

The interesting part comes when we ponder whether this is true with the greatest gift we have: God's Grace.  Think about it, before reading this had you thought about the ultimate gift of God's Grace today?  This is one reason we gather every week on Sunday morning to share in Communion, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.  This is why we gather to hear the Good News that Jesus offers us in the Gospel.  Further, it is God's Love that we seek out when really difficult things happen in our lives. It is natural to seek out something that has always been there when common experiences are turned upside down in tragedy. 

What is seemingly unnatural is to call appreciative attention to something that has become normal.  It is to this end that I write.  I invite you to consider what it means that in this moment God is present to you.  While you read, Jesus smiles.  Think about God's presence there with you right now even in this normal moment.

I have something for you to try in these warm months: every time you step out into the warmth of the Summer or every time you arrive at a nicely cooled space, try to remember that God's Grace is being showered upon you.  Transition is always a noticeable experience and it is always good to be reminded that the most extraordinary gift, the Grace of God's Love, is given to us so constantly that it can mistakenly seem normal.

Stay cool and see you in Church!

Fr. Josh

  

Laura and Sheila in action at the Food Pantry

  

Special thanks to all who volunteered last night: Meg Gregg, Laura Johnson,  Mike Lee, Katheen Petre, Sheila Varughese, Tina Wolf, and Fr. Josh.

  

[This was a first attempt with the iPhone and several of the pictures didn't turn out clear, so my apologies to all those whose pictures didn't come out.]

Weekly Announcements 

 

SUNDAY SERVICE BEGINS AT 9:30AM.

Our Summer worship schedule has begun.  Sunday Service will begin at 9:30am.  Our Summer Schedule of 9:30 services will last through September 11, 2011.

 

SIGN UP SHEET FOR SATURDAY EVENING REFRESHMENTS.

If you wish to provide refreshments after one of the Saturday Evening Services, there is a sign up sheet in the back of the Church by the bulletins.

 

SIGN UP SHEET FOR SUNDAY ICED TEA ON THE LAWN.

If you wish to provide refreshments on a Sunday morning, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.

  

FR. JOSH'S VACATION SCHEDULE.

Fr. Josh will be on vacation Sunday, July 17th through Friday, August 12th.   While Fr. Josh is out of town please contact Fr. Gawain de Leeuw at 914-572-4962 with any Pastoral Emergencies that may arise.  We wish the Condon family safe travels as they enjoy visiting their friends and family!  

 

12:00 NOON WEDNESDAY SERVICES.

There will be no 12 Noon Wednesday Services while Josh is away; July 20th, 27th, August 3rd and August 10th.  The 12 Noon Wednesday Service will resume on August 17th.