I miss seeing you all in-person but this deadly virus has altered our lifestyle and it is important to maintain our social distance in order to keep safe and healthy. I continue to lift us all up in prayer as we navigate this and connect with one another in different ways. An update on my family. My parents completed their move to a senior independent living apartment in Ft. Collins, Colorado. They still have quite a few boxes to unpack and are in process of fully furnishing their place. They love the area, enjoying walks in the neighborhood and to the DQ across the street! They are so happy to be closer to me and my girls and looking forward to this new chapter. I am headed to Stanley, Idaho on Friday for vacation with my parents and daughters! A week of hiking, playing in the lake, reading, relaxing, laughing, and eating together! Next week I won’t be communicating with you all. I will be back leading Zoom worship on Sunday, August 9, and we will celebrate Holy Communion that day. So, bring your bread (something to eat) and juice (something to drink) on Aug. 9th.
I have been reflecting on a little book called Three Simple Rules by Rueben Job. It is simple and yet profound. Rueben Job discusses John Wesley’s three simple rules for living. They are: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. So simple that a child can remember them, so challenging that it takes a lifetime to learn how to follow them. The premise of “do no harm” has been forefront on my mind as I have been navigating life during a pandemic. Each decision I ask myself, what would do no harm? Reuben Job writes, “To do no harm is a proactive response to the world. To do no harm means that I will be on guard so that all my actions and even my silence will not add injury to another of God’s children or to any part of God’s creation. I will determine every day that my life will be invested in the effort to bring healing instead of hurt; wholeness instead of division; and harmony with the ways of Jesus rather than with the ways of the world. When I commit myself to this way, I must see each person as a child of God – a recipient of love unearned, unlimited, and undeserved – just like myself. This leads to personal transformation as well as the transformation of the world around us.” (p. 30-31) In my mind, wearing masks, honoring social distancing, and refraining from large group gatherings all fall under this precept of do no harm. Let’s continue to work together in order to protect everyone. What does it look like in your daily living to “do no harm?” Announcements: · I will be leading worship up at Luccock Park on Saturday, August 15 at 11 am. Bring a lawn chair and we’ll gather in the meadow at the base of Faith, Hope, and Charity to worship our amazing God. Shelly Kersbergen will lead us in music. · Weekly Scriptures: Can be found here. · Weekly worship continues on Zoom on Sundays at 9 am. Meeting ID#794678137 Password: Check your email for the password (Communion will be observed on August 9th this month. Bring bread and juice to your computer and we will partake together.) · Hymns and Prayers: Join us for a mid-week pick-me-up on Thursdays at 7 pm. meeting ID# 522462362 Password: hopelives (we will NOT meet on August 6th) · Meaningful Conversations: Are you wanting to understand better the dynamics of racism in the US and what we can do to make our world a better place? Join us on Wednesdays at 10 am on Zoom. Meeting ID#: 835 8184 9574 Password: Check your email. · E-Giving: We’ve set up electronic giving on our website for each church. If that is a good option for your donations, go to www.MethodistsOnTheYellowstone.org and click on the “Donate” button. It is simple, safe, and convenient. Or, you can mail your donations to your local church, or to the Parish at 302 S. 9th St. Livingston, MT 59047. The Lord Bless you and Keep you! Pastor Patti |
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January 2025
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