For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
-- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NRSV
As more and more people are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, more restrictions are lifted across the board and we all seem to be breathing a deep sigh of relief. This past 15 months has seemed to encompass all the seasons and feelings listed in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Saying a blessing to Pastor Philip as he moves on and welcoming Pastor Yvonne as she arrives also feels like an Ecclesiastes 3 moment as well.
While the pandemic and pastoral changes are both seasons of transition, neither has slowed down the work of God at FUMC Hurst. We’ve increased our creativity and worked to strengthen our connections.
This summer, our sermon series comes from a curriculum called I’ve Been Meaning to Ask: A Series for Curiosity, Courage, and Connection. (Click this link to learn more)
We’re going to have sermons that align with the study journal. We’re going to practice visio and lectio divina in the chapel each Sunday at 9:45. We’re going to have an intentional time connecting with pastors on our porch, both virtual and physical. We’re going to have Focus On discussions via Zoom. We’re also going to have sermon discussions via Zoom.
Our children’s ministry is putting together volunteers and registering children for our Off the Rails Vacation Bible School that will meet at local parks. (Find out more about VBS including dates and how to volunteer here.)
Our senior adult discipleship area is planning a virtual safari, a stroll through the Kimbell Art Museum, a drive through book exchange, and more!
Today I sat on the porch of the Wesley Building for a wonderful gospel guitar concert by Ken Myers, a friend of mine from another United Methodist Church. After Ken’s music, a group of us circled up to eat picnic lunches. The rain had missed us and we all sat together in our lawn chairs enjoying the beautiful weather and fellowship with each other.
We seem to be experiencing all the seasons of Ecclesiastes all at once, but we are connected and committed to God, people, and purpose, and I am so very grateful to be in ministry alongside you.
