Grace and peace to each of you. I hope things are well in your personal world!

Dear Congregation,

Grace and peace to each of you. I hope things are well in your personal world!

As I announced in worship on Sunday, I will be on vacation from Saturday, August 7th through Saturday, August 21st. The Rev. David Lane, Vitas Hospital Chaplain, and member of our congregation, will lead worship on Sunday, August 8th. He will also provide any needed emergency pastoral care and can be reached at 786-564-3628. You may also contact our Administrative Assistant Miriam Grissett at the church office at 305-235-9381.

Our own Andy Godley and Graham Bryan will be the worship leaders on August 15th incorporating music and story. Both men are teachers—Andy at Palmer Trinity School where he teaches religion, and Graham at Homestead Middle School where he teaches music. I’m sure you will be blessed with their gifts!

I am very much looking forward to my—not one—but two trips! On Saturday I’ll be flying to Seattle, WA to visit my older daughter Darcy and her family—husband Brett and grandkids Logan, 18, and Piper, 16, at their home in nearby Gig Harbor where they moved last fall. I’ll return to Miami at the end of that week, only to fly again on Saturday, August 14th to Columbus, Ohio. There I’ll visit son Brian and grandsons Connor, 16, Caden, 14, Savian,14, and Alek, 5, for a couple days before driving to my hometown of Sandusky to visit other family and friends.

 I must admit to being a little leery as I anticipate all this traveling with news reports about airline cancellations, unruly passengers, not to mention Covid, but I’ve decided to let go of worrying and trust that God is in charge. The alternative would be to forgo the joy of being together with loved ones and of being open to new places and experiences. (And I do know a few scripture passages to call to mind when the plane ride gets bumpy!)

I pray that each of you will have some time for rest and refreshment this summer.

I’ll look forward to being back with you in worship on Sunday, August 21st.

God Bless You!   

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy

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