Author: Cari Elliot

Wednesday, June 26: Choir Practice, 6 pm – all who like to sing are welcome.

Thursday, June 27:  “Grill’s On,” 5:30-?  We’ll set out tables and get the grill going. Bring a lawn chair, a friend, something to put on the grill or something to share. And a lawn game if you have one.Looking ahead: “Grill’s On” will not be held the following Thursday, July 4.

Note from Pastor Paul

“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.” ~ Paul (to the church in Galatia, chapter 3)    When I first moved up here from Illinois, my new neighbor shared this wisdom: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” I was struck at the blunt simplicity of his words, but more so at their validity. To this day, when I go on my prayer wanders, I always tuck my rain gear in the pack. I add a sweater as well, and shorts. I bring boots as well as sandals. Never know.    Have you complained about the weather this summer? I sure have. These pesky northeast winds off the lake have made summer’s triumphant stand arrive with creaky bones and moans and groans. But then I remember: follow the Mississippi south and the land is inundated with flooding (something we remember all too well here) – storm after storm – the rain doesn’t seem to stop. Farmers have given up any hope to plant. Families have walked away from homesteads, wondering if they should ever bother to rebuild.    So I’ve learned to practice gratitude. If not for this cold, gray nor’easter, then for the chance to see clouds in their tumbling motions at all, and for this breath of air, this pulse of my heart. I can live with long sleeves. I can live with gray days. But when I’m just sitting around griping about the weather and pining for something that I don’t have…well, I wonder how much I’m really living then?    To live in harmony with the weather we’re given is like sharing our faith with the world around us, just as it is. It may not be like it “used to be,” but souls still live and breathe and love and hurt and grow in anger and find the courage to forgive. They need our faith, and our support – because we’ve learned to be ready for whatever weather comes our way. A kind word can be an extra blanket. An act of love can be a shelter from the howling wind.

Let’s talk.

Pastor Paul

UP Church is hosting the funeral for Helen Hendricks on Saturday, June 15, visitation at 10 am, funeral at 11 am, and lunch fellowship to follow.

Thursdays in June: “Grill’s On” Community Picnic (5:30 pm – ?)We’ll set out tables and fire up the grill. You bring a lawn chair, a friend, something to put on the grill, and something to share (nothing fancy, just share what you have – and if you don’t bring anything, we’ll have plenty to share!)

NOTE: Any extra lawn games tucked away in your garage? Bring those too.

Note from Pastor Paul:   Well, between Pentecost and Father’s Day, I’ve found myself reflecting a lot this week. See, in my prayer and studies, Pentecost tends to shift me from contemplating resurrection and the presence of Jesus in my life, to an exploration and celebration of the Holy Spirit in my life…and how I’m called, how I listen, how I respond.   Hate to say it, but I’m not always the greatest Christian. I get crabby and angry and selfish and sharp. But here’s where my reflection on Father’s Day comes in. As a father, there is no perfect way. Being a father (any parent or caregiver for that matter) is an endless inventory of successes and failures. For as many pats on the back I give myself for being Super Dad, there are just as many dope-slap moments, thinking: “hope they don’t hate me for that as they grow up!” I am proud to say that I’ve learned a lot, but I’m also proud to say I am still clueless and trying to figure it all out.   

Same for being a Christian. In Bible studies or sermons or ramblings like this one, I like to prefix any theological insight with the phrase: “this is where I am at right now”, because there’s always room to change.   Repeat: Always room to change.   So, how do I know if I am heading in the right direction as a father? I see the faces of my children. I see their behavior and their emotions and demeanor. I feel their love, expressed in so many ways. I learn to see it.   

Same with being a Christian.

Let’s talk!

Pastor Paul 

Hey Friends! Exciting summer things on their way:

Beginning in June, on Thursdays: “Grill’s on!” Community Picnic (5:30-?)

We’ll set out the tables, break out the lawn games, and fire up the grill. You bring a lawn chair, a friend, something to put on the grill, and something to share as a side (nothing fancy, just share what you have!) (and thanks to Scotty for finding the great grill! Though this doesn’t mean I’ll let you win in Bocce Ball!)

Also, for you creative souls, we’re planning a gathering to explore visual arts in our sanctuary and worship – and dream up creative new ideas we can create together! Date TBA, but contact us if you’re interested!

And for those that like to play in the dirt, we’re planning to gather for Garden Days. Again, date TBA, but let us know if that interests you!

OK, that’s enough for now. See you Sunday with our choir singing and – hey – I’m pretty happy with the sermon I planned.

In God’s Love,

Pastor Paul

The Spaghetti Dinner was a huge success, thanks to everyone’s efforts! Thank you also to everyone who came out to enjoy the pasta!

Bakeless Bake Sale:
Women’s Fellowship is collecting donations for the Bakeless Bake Sale until June 1. Make checks payable to Women’s Fellowship and return to Doris Toman or Char Marich, or simply drop the envelope in the collection plate. Your support is very appreciated.

Mark your calendar!
These events are coming soon:

May 11: Rummage & Bake Sale, 8 am-1 pm, coffee bar and coneys for lunch. Credit cards accepted. It’s not too soon to start spring cleaning of closets, cupboards, basements. Clean, gently used items, including clothing, will be accepted for the sale. Watch for more details.

June 2: Morgan Park 5K Run/2.5K Walk, 4:30 pm
Eve Graves has begun coordination of this event. There will be raffle, bake sale, coneys again this year.

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KITCHEN FUN!
If you are a person that believes those two words go together – and that gathering with friends in our kitchen for creative cooking sounds fun – let us know! We had a great time making doughnuts, and we’re interested in other adventures. Contact Pastor Paul if interested.

LIBRARY/STUDY RENOVATION
You’ll notice some changes in our library space. We are working on clearing our library – and sending books we don’t need to better homes! (Before any books leave the church, we’ll be offering them to the congregation.) Then we’ll be bringing in comfortable couches and chairs to create a comfortable small group gathering space. We’d love your input!

MONDAY LECTIONARY STUDY
Every Monday at 6pm, Pastor Paul welcomes you to join him in the first look at the Lectionary texts for the following Sunday. This is a time for questions and conversation in our lives of faith – and your participation greatly assists in creating a meaningful sermon on Sunday. Join us!

SUMMER LOVIN’!
It’s been a long winter – let’s welcome Summer with beautiful gardens and summer picnics. We’ll be creating a “Monarch Waystation” garden on our grounds with milkweed and pollinator plants, and Pastor Paul would like to host weekly picnics with a grill at the ready, lawn chairs and lawn games. Interested? Let us know!

Our annual meeting went quickly and successfully this year. If you’re interested in reviewing the reports, contact Clarice in the office. It was followed by a wonderful, warm meal with myriad hot dishes. The following week, we installed council members.

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