"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good: love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor… Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" - Paul, the apostle, to the Romans (Romans 12: 9 and following)A few years ago our next door neighbors came to the conclusion that their massive, century old tree, which shaded both our backyards, was so diseased it needed to be cut down. We concurred and contributed toward the cost of removal - and suddenly our shady retreat became flooded with sunlight and warmth. My plans for a shade garden had to be scrapped in favor of herbs, perennials, and vegetables that love the sun. While I still miss the shade, with every meal our whole family have enjoyed the flavors of our "new backyard" during the growing season.
For a while, my over the fence conversations with our neighbor often turned to our mutual sense of loss in cutting down that tree. But these days, those conversations include sharing the gardening tips and some of the produce as we adjust to a new reality. It’s not the same, but it’s good.
This May, I planted the same sun-loving types of plants: herbs, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers. Who knew June would be a month of rain, rain, and more rain? Nevertheless, stuff keeps growing, and we have enjoyed an early harvest!
The interim time between pastors gives a church the opportunity to explore a slightly new reality and context for mission and ministry. A big step forward in that exploration took place on Sunday afternoon, June 4, as members and friends of Pughtown Baptist shared authentically with the pastoral search committee and with one another their thoughtful reflections on the strengths, challenges, and hopes for this fellowship of believers.
This kind of honest, loving conversation needs to continue not only for the sake of guiding your pastoral search committee in their work, but for the sake of getting ready to welcome new leadership and enjoy a new reality. Things will not be the same, but they can be good!
Meanwhile, I celebrate with you the life in Christ that continues to flourish here as we enter the summer. In June, we:
- Celebrated: Honoring our graduates - Katie Evans and Lauren Hood - on Sunday, June 8, and celebrating with the children in our midst, and those who work to teach and guide them, on Sunday, June 14.
- Gave: Hosting a mission evening with Tim and Jenn Schwartz on June 8, raising more than $800.00 to support them in their disaster recovery ministry, and nearly reaching our $600.00 goal for One Great Hour of Sharing.
- Picnic’d (is that a word?): Enjoying a lovely (indoor) picnic at the home of Joyce Denninger for the women’s bible study group... and a great (outdoor) picnic in our pavilion for the Fellowship Group, with many neighbors present for a presentation by Lauren Hood on China and the American southwest.
- Mourned: Weeping and remembering with family and loved ones as Eva Symons, long time member of Pughtown Baptist Church, went home to be with the Lord.
- Prayed: Kept continually in prayer for one another, and for neighbors, community, and loved ones.
Rev. Rhonda J. Cushman
Updated July 13, 2009
