Dear Friends,

We head into summer now with school out and the astonishing recent experiences of two awesome music Sundays at Ark and Dove.  A deep sense of gratitude comes from having experienced the Band's Rend Collective music and the presentation of the John Rutter Mass by our choirs.  And so now we can take a page from the music leaders playbook.  We can rest.   We can Sabbath. We can recharge our batteries.  Although there will not be mid-week music rehearsals as much during the summer, there will be pick up band  and pick up choir and weekly worship, but the pace slows.  In July, the Session and the Deacons, as well as the choirs, take a break from evening meetings, some small groups go on hiatus and the staff often leaves the church office early on Friday.   On Sunday July 24, we will have a single 10:30 worship service.   It's a biblical concept, this rest called Sabbath, and I invite you to Sabbath as well. Jesus often retreated to a quiet place to meditate and pray. Worship each Sunday, but take your weeks slower and differently.  Find some time for quiet reading, bible reading and reflective prayer.

Part of summer Sabbath at Ark and Dove is the Logos Gen-On conference for youth in July, T he Center youth mission trip, which starts this Wednesday and the Habitat Youth and Young Adult Mission Trip next week.   When we retreat, when we disengage from the regular schedule, and when we engage in hands-on mission, worship and study, we also recharge.

In a recent study group, some of us discussed the book, The Christian Wallet, by Mike Slaughter. Chapter three is entitled "Conscious Spending" where among other issues Rev. Slaughter asks us to consider whether the companies we do business with pay their employees fairly.  Here is a link to an article at PCUSA.org about the growing support for a boycott against the Wendy's fast food chain.  At its recent meeting in Louisville, the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board officially endorsed the call for a national boycott. They buy their tomatoes from companies who violate the human rights of their farm workers.  15 years ago our youth were among many who pledged no Taco Bell and our  boycott worked.

Lastly, the Session met this week and had a terrific meeting discussing the many wonderful ministries of our church and wonderful things that are happening in our church. Worship attendance is up, Sunday School Attendance is up, wonderful music programs, great summer trips for youth, great adult small groups and friendships.  Unfortunately, the great Spirit in our church has become somewhat disconnected  from our stewardship. We find ourselves scratching our church heads.  We live in a community of abundance, yet pledged and un-pledged giving are both behind and for the first time in many years, the Session had to adjust our ministry budgets downward.  This is a call for extra commitment giving, catch-up giving and prayerful consideration of new pledging and giving.   Our Christian Wallets need a reset.

Peace of Christ,