Dear friends, how far we have come! We continue to see the pandemic moving towards its close. And although we still recognize the concern for those among us unvaccinated and those unable to be vaccinated, I am grateful to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Singing has returned to the sanctuary in amazing ways with choirs, Praise Band, solos, and the voices of the congregation gathered to worship. Physical distancing in the sanctuary has been reduced to one section to offer continued covid protocols for those choosing just a little more separation. Masks have disappeared for most and the chance to see smiles on faces is worth its weight in gold. The best part has been a return to hugs and handshakes for those that are feeling comfortable returning to the practice. This Pastor will happily offer either to you when you see him. We celebrated baptisms in June and have a couple more to celebrate in July. Always a moment of joy in the life of the congregation. JOLT Adventure Camp was a wonderful return to some “normalcy” in ministry. The students were amazing and the adventures pushed students and the adults out of their comfort zones and into the “leaps of faith” where we trust our faith in God a little more deeply before we climb the mountain or step off the platform to hang on the zipline cable. All-in-all, the summer is shaping up to be a life-giving gift of God after the covid summer of 2020.

Personally, I will share with you that this past year has humbled me in ways that I did not expect. You have been so gracious to tend my father, my family, and to allow me to work through some of my own grief after the death of my mom in very public ways. I have acknowledged the milestones of the “firsts” that so many of you have spoken of in your own journeys with grief. First Thanksgivings, first birthdays, first Easters, first Mother’s Days – navigating each one was more minefield that I expected. So many of you took the time to share with me your own stories of figuring out the way forward after losing a parent or spouse or child. I am grateful for your willingness to share your own experiences so that I could know I was not crazy for what I was feeling and, more importantly, that I was not alone. For every card, every letter, every knowing glance, every half smile, every hug – thank you for your examples of faithfulness to our God that allowed me be reminded of God’s great love for all of us.

Finally, as I have shared with the Mutual Ministry Team and the Church Council, I have encouraged the staff to find time to be away this summer. Intentional time away from Ascension and the responsibilities of ministry, so that we will be ready to launch into the fall program with energy and enthusiasm. As many of you remind me regularly, I am also expected to take my own advice at times. I plan to be away from Ascension for three weeks this month. My family plans to be in CA for some vacation to visit family, walk the beach, and linger over some Starbucks coffee and many some 21-year-old scotch. Regardless of what comes first, I expect to be well-vacationed when I return to ministry at the beginning of August.

My prayer is that each of you will find some time to reconnect with family, old friends, a few of your favorite things over these next couple of months. I, for one, will be excited to see you when you find your way back to worship in-person at Ascension. August will allow us time to prepare for the fall. And September will be a time to witness the new things God is doing at Ascension and throughout the world.

Peace be with you.

Pastor Chris