Dear Church Family:

Many have already plowed their land, planted, fertilized, and watered the ground. Each day they look to be sure there are no weeds growing in the garden. They water the garden each day; and when the vegetables begin to grow, they watch the garden with very special care. You don’t allow the weeds in the garden because weeds have a way of taking the nutrition away from the vegetables. We all know that when we plant a garden it takes tender love and care.

Summer is here; the weather is beautiful leading us to beach fever, lakeidus, and a fever that runs us to the heights of the mountain top. All of us need a rest, a break from our every day routine. Before you take this journey consider the journey of faith that we are all walking together. The ministries of the church don’t take a vacation but must continue to nurture, reach out, to minister to the community of faith, and to those who need to be brought into our garden of faith that they may be able to produce the fruit of faith. Lord, help us to remember our vows—promising I will be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by my prayers, my presence, my gifts, and my service. Remember when we are faithful to our vows God promises that as the earth brings forth its growth and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all humanity. May God bless each of our families with much needed rest and our church with much needed rest and our church with overflowing ministry this summer.

Yours In His Name,

Jim