Did anyone else notice that this July seemed to be a bit soggier than previous ones? Sometimes it is hard to remember that we are blessed to have the rain. In other parts of the country (especially the western states) they would gladly trade their weather for ours. But God has a plan for all things, and nothing is done by accident. “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:25) God has a plan for each one of us, each in our own circumstances. He will keep us strong.

The weather plays a big part in our lives, especially during the summer when we plan getaways and vacations. If, like most of us, you check the weather daily, you see that each reporting source tries to outdo the competition by using charts, graphs and imagery to forecast the weather that ultimately none of us can control. We hope to be able to accomplish our plans, and there may be some grumbling involved when our day isn’t what we ordered.  We have no control over something that plays such an important part of our lives, and that is frustrating. However, we have control over something more important – how we serve God and others.

Every day we make countless decisions, usually about our own environment and families. When we add in work and the accompanying time restraints of family activities into the mix, it’s often a struggle to balance it all. Trying to look beyond these borders is often difficult. Do we say I’ll let someone else do it? Or do we earnestly try each day to make a positive difference in someone’s life?

God tells us in Matthew 6:2-4 “When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you as the Hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you they have received their reward and when you give to the needy do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. And your father, who sees in secret, will reward you”. This is reinforced in Galatians 6:9 as well, “And let us not grow weary of doing good for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”.

There is never much down time at St. Paul’s from Monday to Saturday. Between the office operations, preparation for the upcoming Sunday services, building & grounds, the rectory renovations, rector search activities, the special programs such as Christmas in July, as well as our ongoing commitment to the food pantries, Fishes & Loaves and Haiti, there is rarely a quiet moment! Can we do more? Individually or as a group? Or are we accomplishing everything that God is calling us to do? We challenge you to look inside yourself to answer that and let us know what you figure out.

We are looking ahead to many returns this Fall. The Choir returns in September, and so does Cabaret! The Katherine Onufer Memorial Service and Music dedication is in October. In-person programs, activities and celebrations will return. And while you may be thinking we’re getting ahead of ourselves, remember that responding gives us the best opportunity to serve God and others! “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).

As we head into the home stretch of summer 2021, we wish you all continued blessings and good times!

God Bless!

Jeff Vunck

Kelly Dalton