returning from vacation

Back from a week away for Annual Conference, and then two weeks of vacation (that wasn't really a vacation) and now back to work and boy is it busy here especially with pastoral care. The love that has been shown by this congregation to Paul and his family is simple amazing and overwhelming. Although we shouldn't really be surprised since we've seen the same done for others over and over again. Lots of congregations talk about the feeling of family and of being there in a time of crisis, but this congregation backs up those words with action. I have been reading a book on why men don't attend church, which I'll write on more later, and one of the author's claims is that church has become more focused on building community and relationships rather than building "real" things like buildings and so men aren't interested. While I would agree that men and women, as a broad generalization, look for and wants different things out of relationships and community, I think he is wrong that men don't want or need community, and these are the types of situations where that community can truly shine and we can truly be Christ to each other. Linda and I have felt this as well following her surgery, which is why I didn't really have a vacation. Our prayers continue to be with Paul, Linda, Liam, Adam and their family, as well as all in our community who are currently struggling with many different issues. Thank you to all for all that you do and for being Christ to each other and to the world.