Pastor’s Message – July and August 2024

“Slowing Down with God”

“Be still and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

“Sabbath is a mind that can be still, a mind that can rest in delight.  A day of rest, a moment of prayer, a time of meditation…these disrupt the pattern of desperation that infects our thinking, and allows us to be able to see the healing that is already present in the problem.”

 – Wayne Muller, Sabbath, 168

On the last Wednesday of June, after my lunch break, I viewed a 5-minute retreat video titled S.L.O.W. It was an acronym that invited the viewer to:

S. Stop

L. Linger

O. Observe

W. Wonder

It was offered by the pastor’s workshop, a newsletter I receive every other week, to subscribers. This video was part of a collection that unhurriedliving.com posted online as an invitation to slow down and listen to God, one’s self and others. Although it was intended for pastors, after viewing it and following the prompts, I would encourage you to check it out and consider using it regularly as a guide to knowing and loving God, one’s self and others.

This summer we have many opportunities to slow down and learn new ways of being with God, in prayer, studying God’s word in the Bible, enjoying the fruits and produce of summer as a way of connecting with God’s gifts of provision and nourishment for people and all creatures in God’s good earth.

In 2019, I had a bulletin style message where I posted invitations and suggested resources to use in our “Slowing Down with God.” I would like to invite you once more to:

“Pause and Pray at Noon” – Beginning July 1: Wherever you are, I invite you to pause and pray at 12 noon.  It could be for a minute, 3 minutes or half an hour, as the Holy Spirit leads.  Together we pray in spirit, though physically apart. In addition to your personal and family praises and concerns, please pray for God’s renewing power and wisdom to guide our church family in seeking God’s will for the future of our church while continuing to be faithful in the present.

In 2019, Susan Saridakis suggested an idea to me that you can adapt to your “Pause and Pray” time.  Please see below:

1. Quiet your mind.
2. Pray a short prayer such as: “Open my eyes that I may see, wonderful things in Your Word, O Lord.” Amen.
3. Quiet reading of Scripture – For example, Psalm 23 or Psalm 121 (or your Bible reading for the day from your devotional book or Bible reading plan)
4. Prayer time
5. Closing – Sing or listen to a favorite song or hymn on the Christian life (“Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “Here I Am, Lord,” etc.)

Digital Resources: Apps (Applications you can download on your phone or laptop) to enrich your daily spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, reflection, and prayer.

• The Bible App – YouVersion
• The Bible App for Kids (ages 6-8)
• The Park Forum – Online weekday devotional and daily Bible readings…which allows readers to read through the entire Bible every two years. John Tillman is the author and managing director. https://theparkforum.org (U.S. based Christian organization)
• Our Daily Bread online – https://orb.org – audio versions are available
• 24-7 Prayer – Lectio 365 – https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/ (UK based)

I thank Susan Saridakis for introducing me to the You Version Bible and Tasha Graziani to The Park Forum in 2019.

There are many Bible reading guides and devotionals online, but what I mentioned above are apps and websites that I have used and found helpful in enriching my daily devotions, Bible reading, study and prayer times.  If you use resources online that have inspired you in your walk with God, please let me know, and I’ll add it to our list.

This summer, I pray that we will take time to slow down and take time to be with God:

• in quiet times of prayer and fellowship
• enjoy the company of our family and friends, while sharing a meal or a picnic
• thru God’s word in the Bible and be nourished by the wisdom found within its pages (on paper or on a digital device)
• on Sundays for worship, study, fellowship and service.

God’s blessings of joy and peace be with you!

Have a great Fourth of July, and a safe, healthy and relaxing summer!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Carla