As the promise of summer spreads out before us, I pray that you and yours are well. I am excited about the change in pace that usually comes with summer and hope, like many of you, that it is a season of refreshment and renewal and fun. We will continue to worship together through the summer and there's great ministry to accomplish, but the pace is almost always a little gentler, and that's a grace from God.

This first summer Sunday is an important day in the life of our community. Three children will be welcomed into the Christian faith through Baptism. Over sixty young people and ten adults will be confirmed or received into the Church. Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Clifton "Dan" Daniel III, will be making his final visitation as our Diocesan Bishop. And while we may not be among those being committed or taking up our own commitment, we have the opportunity to share the joy of the Christian life with them and renew our commitment to answer Christ's call and live out the lives God is calling us to live.

We all also have the opportunity to remember that we are not in this Christian life on our own. Oh sure, we remember every time we come to worship that we are not in this on our own. There are other Christians supporting us and pointing the way, but that is nothing compared with the real power that is available when we open ourselves to God. For the promise of the Christian life at its very core is the promise that God is with us. God is able and willing to help us all along the way. When we choose to answer Christ's call God will fill us with the power, direction, mercy and love to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine.

Like some of you, I forget about that power and help far too often. I like to accomplish things on my own and with other people. I ignore a presence and a power that are always there when called upon. But when I remember and allow God's help to enter in, then my life and yours, if you will let it, are graced with a goodness and hope that make life far sweeter than life on our own.

So, as we enter into the summer season and welcome new Christians and recommitted Christians, remember that we are not Christians on our own. The Lord who calls us to follow also empowers and we will be made strong and courageous in whatever life God is calling us to live.

See you in Church.