Well, it is hard to believe we are midway through May - especially when it is only 67 degrees and some people are still mopping up after some very late and heavy April showers. But here we are, close to the end of another program year. Sunday School will end in a couple of weeks, EYC will have its last meeting on June 8, committees, commissions, and other groups are taking a well earned rest. Most of us, even though winter was not bad, are taking a deep breath and saying finally, spring has sprung and summer with its lazy, hazy days of back yard play, pools, trips to the beach, and yard work will be here very soon. Even much of the government goes into a semi-rest mode as Congress closes up shop for at least a month, and bureaucrats find their way to summer homes and beach houses.
            While most of us take a breather from the rush of the last nine months, many in our country and world cannot. I speak mainly of those who find themselves in situations where they have little control over their lives, what they eat, drink, or where they live. I am referring to the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the shivering, the sick, and the imprisoned. Those who - we may say - there but for the grace of God - the victims of tornados, cyclones, earthquakes, and disease. It will be all too easy for us to fall into a kind of easy contentment of allowing the summer heat to dull our senses to the plight of the less fortunate.
            As Christians, Christ’s hands on earth, we must not rest as long as there is pain and suffering in the world. We are called 24/7 to heed carefully to Jesus’ teaching to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, provide a place for the homeless, clothe those who shiver in the cold, and visit those who are sick or in prison.
            When we think on this topic, it may seem an impossible task. But there is always a place to find strength, and that strength of course is found first in Jesus himself. We also find strength and rest among our sisters and brothers as we draw together each Sunday for worship and fellowship. We are reminded of the importance of this at each baptism when the celebrant asks if we ‘Will continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.’ Our response always is ‘I will with God’s help.’ To continue to join together in prayer, worship, and fellowship is what empowers us to do the ministry we are sent to do. 
            So, while the summer months will take many of you to many different places and tempt all of us (even me) to sleep in on Sundays, I encourage you to continue to be faithful in worship here at Pohick or wherever your travels take you for it is in our families and our community of faith that we truly find God.