I’ve enjoyed my time away on my monthly prayer and study retreat this week at “The Port for Prayer” in Frankfort, Illinois. Heading home today. My favorite part? Some brief bouts of sleeping in the sun by the creek! Nothing like being in mother nature to still my heart and mind.

I know some of what y’all are doing, or would like to do to “charge your batteries”. I hope you embrace your soul’s needs this summer, for the right blend of family and friend time, solitude, play, and rest. God’s designed us to need these for a wholesome and truly worshipful life. It took me many years to begin learning this lesson, and I’ve been on the journey of testing it and trusting it for 25+ years. Those moments we choose to receive, to perceive, to participate in something without an effortful presence… those moments are a blessing to God. Moments we acknowledge the Spirit’s goodness and trustworthiness and abundance.

So, have a blast this summer! We’re all reentering postish-pandemic life in different paces and ways. Savor whatever you’re doing, and savor whatever is the incremental nature of your choices. I hope you’ll be “recharged” by connecting in fresh ways with yourself, your loved ones, and all God’s gifts.

And remember, your church family seeks to be a blessing to you! Stay connected, report in on your fun and your joys and your challenges and tough burdens and vulnerability and decisions. I think about our church life as a God-given laboratory to give and receive, to journey together in the grace of God and the discovery of its depths. This sense of connection and belonging can truly recharge batteries too, along with the solo soul work that is each of ours to do. Whatever work at Eden you choose, whatever rest you choose, know that your presence is a blessing!

CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY — CONSIDER SUBMITTING PICTURES FOR SUNDAY!

We’ll once again lift a tribute piece in worship, as we did for Mothers’ Day and for both last year. If you’d like a picture of your father included, or of you yourself, send in by Friday at 7:00 p.m. to Jacki at jacki@edenuccchicago.org. (Please call or text to notify also, since we’ve had some email gremlins lately.) 773.655.4357.

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki