Friends and Neighbors, 

I pray that you are keeping cool during this heatwave. Your gifts help us share a snack and cold water with our neighbors. While talking with some of our neighbors, I saw the bus pull in from Grace Point as it was dropping off kids who had spent a week at Jim Muir Camp (a camp that hosts young people involved in mentoring programs and those who have a parent who is incarcerated. The camp is named for the late husband of our own Mary Muir.) Many things happen around here, even when it is hot. 

I am thankful to be part of a community that uses our resources to meet the needs around us. A team has formed at St. James to engage a curriculum called Good Futures. This small group will consider the resources of St. James and the needs of our community as we consider how we can best use our resources to meet needs. Some of the folks in the small group may well ask some of you about your experience at St. James. There will also be events where we can all explore these things together. If you have any thoughts or questions about that work, you can contact Linda Fitzpatrick, who is facilitating this work. You will hear more as the study continues. 

You are a great resource for this parish. I am grateful for all the gifts that people bring together to do ministry. I am lousy at playing the organ, ironing linens, and understanding an investment policy. Thankfully, some of you are great at those things. I hope you can find a place to share your gifts and explore ministry. If you have questions about any ministry, I know that many folks would be glad to share about what they do. If you want to discern what you might get involved in, I am glad to chat with you. 

We are handing out snacks, celebrating the Eucharist, and sending kids to camp while our world is shaken by violence and division. Our ministry proclaims some hope in these times. Against the voices of separation. scarcity, and despair, we proclaim that Christ brings us together, there is enough, and that love heals all things. Even a cold bottle of water can say all that. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark