As I sit today on my back porch working on my upcoming sermon, I find myself thinking a bit differently about the back porch which I love. This last year I was able to replace the screens with windows. I always loved my screened porch but the windows allow me to spend more time there. It is easily my favorite room in my house. 

The month of September is National Suicide Prevention month. I was reminded of that this week as I, along with other United Methodist clergy in Indiana, were informed that this week one of our own clergy, 24 year old Rev. Jarrid Wilson, took his own life. This leaves me with much sadness that Jarrid was experiencing such hopelessness that led to this result and such sadness for his family and friends who now grief his loss. 

A beautiful tent was arranged to the south of the main church building for the worship experience last Sunday.  The beautiful white tent is a perfect metaphor for God’s church. What a perfect visual as we launch the upcoming sermon series “Won’t you be My Neighbor”.

Last Sunday we started a two week series on the topic of Spiritual Gifts (click here to hear the sermon). I am taking advantage of the timing to be in the homework mode and am assigning homework myself. 

Before next Sunday, in fact to make next Sunday’s message pertinent to each one of you individually, please take one of two Spiritual Gifts surveys that we are making available.