I would like to take a break from tension and stress from time to time.  I feel like the busy days of summer were also the “laid back” days of summer and now I go-go-go all the time.  I have some days looked at my schedule and thought – Well I know I can’t get it all done so where will be the first part I cut into?  At last month’s community luncheon I planned to do some set up (rare for me), drop off the cornbread, offer a prayer before the meal and duck out as soon as I could.  Well, it turned out that I took the time to stay and enjoy the luncheon.  I stayed at the luncheon not only because the food was good but also because the company – the community – was good too. 

I occasionally walk with the “Alplaus Amblers” – we meet on Tuesdays 9am at the church and walk in town, a nice gentle leisurely stroll.  I don’t walk as often as I should but when I do I really enjoy it and have had several fine conversations with folks I am getting to know.  This week I went to a volunteer training at City Mission and learned more about their programs and facilities and how there are many daytime ways to help for people of all abilities, schedules, and interests.  If you are curious I invite you to ask me or to sign up for a similar (1hr) session on their website. As I sit to write, I have just finished my “shift” at the Apple Fest with the Alplaus Ladies Auxiliary; 4 hours of “Ladder Toss” was a surprisingly fun afternoon where I got to talk to with my co-worker and enjoy the fun of great kids.  Not to mention I signed up to make a pie, so I also got to spend the morning in the kitchen with my daughter and my mother.  All in all a GREAT day!

 “What is your point?” you may be wondering, as I continue to list activities.  My point is that these activities were fulfilling and enjoyable.  These are some of the fabulous opportunities available to folks who are a part of a community that connects with and cares for neighbors – both literal neighbors and friends from all over.  These activities could be seen as tasks on a to-do list.  I am thankful that even though I had them on my agenda for the day, they offered me the break from tension and stress for which I was searching.

I still have other things to do – some enjoyable, others less so – but I am thankful for this community in Alplaus that has welcomed me and offers an oasis of peace and rest, even when it is disguised as items “to do”.  I pray for each of you the joy of connecting with community.  If you are uncertain how to connect, just show up – Alplaus UMC is a little like Jello – there’s always room for more!

One last thing – because I can’t resist…   I saw a Church Sign once that read
“Ch  ch, what is missing?    Answer - U R!”
 
Blessings, Pastor Kristi

As the summer draws to a close, the political season will really begin to ramp up…more than it already is.  Politics has become a wedge of division in friendships and families and seems to function as a fortified impasse in all other areas of life.  I fear folks are losing the ability to converse (speak AND listen) on topics of importance because they view their conversational partner as some sort of “other”.  Let me share with you the writings of an acquaintance, with the hope of spreading grace and light at all times and for all.
 
Words of light – Steve Garnaas-Holmes unfoldinglight.net 8/13/18August 13, 2018
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need,
so that your words may give grace to those who hear.  —Ephesians 4.29

God, you know what a temptation it is to whine and complain. To criticize and judge.
Free me for something better.

Even in the shadow of evil and injustice
I can speak your grace, I can utter your endless possibilities.

May my words be light, not dimness,
a sun that shines, even in deepest darkness.

May my words build up and bless, create space for newness,
be the living alternative to the evil I decry.

Speak your grace through me.
May I be a person of my word, and my word be goodness.
 
Blessings, Pastor Kristi