He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

Although we have been focused on the book of Romans over the last few weeks, I’ve also been thinking about a couple of the parables from the lectionaries gospel readings. In Matthew 13, Jesus talks about the mustard seed and yeast. These metaphors speak of a very small beginning that grows into something that provides a home for birds or food for hundreds.

While it is usually not anyone’s preference to think of themselves, or something that they are a part of as tiny or insignificant, Jesus suggest that if we are participating in the kingdom of God we can be confident that incredible potential resides in the smallest things. Part of the lesson of the seed is that in each of us, in our communities of faith, there is the kernel of all that God is trying to do in the world. There is something inevitable about putting a tiny seed into even moderately good soil, and offering it even the minimal amount of nurture which releases all that is locked inside. The presence of God in each of our lives only needs a little more space to continue to grow in us, and produce a life of flourishing. The same is true of our church family. We can get caught up in anxiety and regret about how small we are, but Jesus reminds us in these texts that it is about the potential we hold when we are true to who we have been created to be. Whether we are one or one hundred, the call remains the same to be true to the way of Jesus.

The lesson of the yeast is that the presence of God will always work its way more deeply and broadly into the lives of people who come into contact with that presence. As individuals and as a community our first vocation is to make room for the spirit of God to permeate more fully our lives and our communities. The growth we want to see is the increase of the kingdom of God.

Peace, Darren

Have you attended a Music & More concert this summer? We have been celebrating our 30th Season and have been entertained by vocalists, duets, trios, quartets, groups, and many talented musicians playing hand bells, horns, violins, oboes, flutes of all sizes, recorders, cellos, guitars, piano, and organ. Our concerts are eclectic, fast-paced, and fun! All noontime concerts are free; donations are encouraged and will be divided at the Season Finale between Health Care Network, Racine Arts Council, and Racine Vocational Ministry.

The Music & More program is funded by donations from individuals and businesses. This will be our most costly season with more musicians, increased advertising, and a gala Season Finale concert with performers coming from Maryland, New York, and Texas to help us celebrate 30 years. Your financial support makes it possible for us to continue offering this unique series of music and community outreach. Donations may be given IN HONOR or IN MEMORY of someone, or to mark a special occasion. Remember to select Music & More in the dropdown list.

Mark your calendars for the two remaining noontime concerts, and the Season Finale Concert which will be held on Friday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now - $10.

August 3

Darlene Rivest & Anna Kojovic-Frodl – violin & piano

High Winds & Keyboard – flutes & piano

Jill Jensen & Jack Grassel – vocal & guitar

August 10

Jessi Kolberg – organ

Cello Sextet

Lynda Schlitz – vocal, Brian Dale – drums, Dwayne Williams – bass, & Kostia Efimov – piano

Season Finale Concert—Friday, August 18

Randy, Beth & Charlotte Bush – vocal & piano

&

The Choral Arts Society – Favorite Beatles Songs

with Guest Musicians/Band

Mark Paffrath & Marv Dykhuis – vocal & guitar 

Noel Crowder – bass | Steve Comeau – drums 

John Traylor – percussion | Mary Skop – piano

To assure you a seat at the finale concert, order your tickets now.

Tickets are $10 each—what a bargain!!

1. See Georgia Hall after a Thursday noontime concert, to purchase with cash or check.
2. Send a check to: First Presbyterian Church, Attn: M&M Season Finale, 716 College Avenue, Racine, WI 53403.
3. Email Theresa Revis - First Presbyterian Church Financial Secretary at: fsoffice@firstpresracine.org. Let her know many tickets you'd like to order.
4. Call Georgia Hall - Music & More Chair at 262.308.1883.
5. Purchase your ticket securely through PayPal by clicking below. (Please select M&M tickets from the dropdown list.)

Your purchased tickets will be available during the Thursday noon concerts or you can check in the night of the concert!