THE PASTOR'S MUSINGS

Flu Precautions

Over the past few months, we've drowned in news reports about this flu season.  The good news is that the H1N1 flu doesn't appear to be as bad as first feared.  It doesn't look like we'll have a repeat of the influenza epidemic that struck the world after the First World War.  In addition, our medical system today is far superior to 1918.  That said, we should still be concerned about passing germs, even at church events.  This is especially true, with this flu, for those who are very young and who have other medical conditions. Simple things like coughing into your sleeve instead of into your hands will help make us all healthier.  When you cough into your hand, and then shake someone else's hand, you pass along all sorts of germs!  Also, frequently washing our hands and using hand sanitizer when washing is unavailable will cut down germ transmission from person to person.  Hand sanitizer is available at both entrances to the sanctuary.  We all like to shake hands, but during this difficult season when it appears there will be two strains of flu going around, personal touch including the shaking of hands should be avoided .  The danger is that we're contagious even before we begin to feel ill.  Another tip, those in our first service should take their bulletins home instead of recycling by leaving the used bulletins for the second service.  Germs can live for a short while on paper.   Finally, if you do have the flu, remember that our first service is broadcast over the radio on WBCH.  Listen in (or if you are out of the area, read up on the sermon and the bulletin from our website or call the office and we'll send you a copy of the sermon and bulletin).  Let's do our part to keep everyone healthy.

Pastor's Musings

Parker Palmer was one of the authors that I was blessed to hear at Calvin College's Festival of Faith and Writing this past month. He has written much about the role paradoxes and contradictions play in our Christian faith. He was funny and profound with his insights, yet very humbled. Humility is a key trait to Christian faith, as he pointed out. As his father used to tell him, "Remember, today's peacock is tomorrow's feather duster."

Palmer is a Quaker, and in reflection on his own faith tradition, he spoke about how he and other Quakers need to be continually reminded that they don't worship silence. Instead they worship God "in silence." The difference is profound. Thinking about what he said, I came to realize it has implications for all of us. We don't worship a building; we worship God in a building. We don't worship a particular style; rather we worship God in a particular style. The important thing is to be worshipping God, the creator, the one who gave us breath of life, and who in Jesus Christ gives us new life. Our location and style of worhsip are just tools; we're to glorify God, and that can be done anywhere and in many ways. The important thing is to do it!

Things are changing quickly around the new church. I hope you have been able to make one of the Sunday afternoon visits to the property to see what is being done. By the time you read this, the building will be completely roofed. Parts of the building are already being painted, have windows, and are nearing completion. We have been blessed by the generosity of many people in this building project. It is my prayer that this building and our new location can be a blessing to our community as we open up our doors. Please keep the construction workers in your prayers, as well as the building committee and leaders of the congregation. And remeber, we don't worship the building; we worship God in a buiding AND EVERYWHERE we find ourselves.

 

Check out Pastof Jeff's Blog site or web log to see his sermons and convers with others on the site

http://hastingspresbyterian.blogspot.com

 

Copies of the pastor's sermons are normally available before service. Copies are placed on a table in the foyers to the front and back of the church.

In addition, those who would desire a copy afterwards may call the church office and one will be mailed to you.