Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. — Collect for the Sunday Closest to June 8

As many of you know, Vacation Bible School week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. Now that we have a full-day program with Music Camp, it's even better. The kids are putting on a performance this Friday at 10 a.m., so if you're available, come join us and see what we've been up to this week.

I love hearing the songs. I love hearing the laughter. And I love the chance to have conversations with children. At lunch the other day, I learned about the importance of manners from two very serious young girls who helped me understand that cut-up fruit in a cup might look like finger food — but it is not. I also learned that while manners are important, babies are offered grace until they learn to use utensils. My job requires that most of the time, children mainly see me as that tall woman in the pulpit. So to have a chance to dance and sing and jump around with them is simply a joy. I remember being in Vacation Bible School as a kid and loving it. Singing "Day by Day" from "Godspell" as we marched around the church is a seminal memory for me. I remember helping out at the Presbyterian Church when I was in high school. I loved having the kids hanging off of me like a human jungle gym. Whatever VBS you're attending, there are common threads of music, caring adults, high energy, the occasional tears, and electric energy you simply can't get anywhere else.

We are entering a long season of what we call "ordinary" time in the church calendar. Pentecost has passed and we've navigated the doctrinal quagmire of Trinity Sunday. Ordinary time is actually a real gift. It is where most of our lives take place. Between the hills and the valleys are the ordinary days that build the foundation of our common life and our faith. It's a time when we can pause long enough to think about our "manners" — not just at the table, but perhaps in a much broader sense: who is called to join us at the table of God's love and relationship. Last week we welcomed newcomers during the service and said a special prayer to have these people belong to us in a new way. How fitting that was, following a baptism of a new person into our community. Our baptismal promises call us to always be looking for ways we are being called to extend the call of love in our community and bear that into the world. Our vestry is engaging in important work following our Rooted in Christ Gatherings this past fall. This summer they are looking at how small groups and caring for one another in vulnerable times can continue to root us in Christ. This is the ordinary work of life in community — and it is deeply important. What are the ordinary places in your life that help you seek the Kingdom?

Peace, Beth +