Letter to Congregation 06-09-2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I was recently driving through town and my mind was full of all the things on my to do list. Then suddenly, as if God were waking me up, I looked to my left and saw a beautiful field of wildflowers with butterflies and birds zipping around. It was as if God was inviting me to pay attention to the beauty, rather than focus on all the distractions. As the words of the great hymn go, “For the beauty of the earth, For the Glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all, to Thee, we raise this our joyful hymn of grateful praise”. Every day God is inviting us to put distractions aside, to notice the beauty of the earth that glorifies God and shares the love of God with all who take the time to notice. As Christ’s disciples, we would benefit from trying to put aside distractions and notice the beauty God has laid before us to bring comfort and peace. It’s as if God says Hello, I am here, look around and see, then share this beauty with others. Next time you find yourself distracted by many things, let God wake you up to the beauty of God’s creations that show you are loved and share that love with others.
Each week we worship with one another is an opportunity for us to wake up to God’s beauty around us, in creation and in the love shared. This week, we continue in our hybrid in-person phase 3 worship. We will have a special opportunity this week to share the love with one another as we honor our graduate, Lucas Swanson. I would invite you to join us for worship, either in person or online. If joining us in person, I would remind you that we are still asking that you wear masks, socially distance and wait to be seated and dismissed by an usher. If you would like to fellowship and talk, please do so outside, as the narthex can get crowded quickly. As we go through this week, take time to see God’s beauty and let God’s love be felt through it, then let that love spread to others all week long and when we gather for worship.
In His Peace,
Pastor Nicki
*If you are worshiping from home, I would encourage you to use the YouTube platform for optimal streaming quality. Additionally, feel free to sign on early no need to wait right until 10am anymore. *
YouTube: live stream and recording can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/ESPresbyterian
Facebook: click on the link below near the time the service begins at 10:00am to watch the live stream https://www.facebook.com/espresbyterian/
Additionally, bulletins and an online hymnal have been put on the website and can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/sunday-bulletin/
Ways to give– mail or drop of check/cash through no contact mail slot in office window. Drop off envelope in offering plates before or after worship services. Donate on our website by going to the home page at https://www.espresbyterian.com/ and clicking on the Donate button in the upper right corner. Designate where you would like the money to go by using the note section.
