Dear Friends,

Early one evening, as I was on my way to the church for a meeting, I came to a section of Mashpee and saw cars parked on the side of the road and crowds of people walking toward the intersection by the Mashpee High School. I remembered, then, that this was the night for the town’s display of fireworks. While stopping at the red light, I had an opportunity to watch the people who were crossing the highway at a police officer’s direction. They carried all sorts of things with them, many of which looked like containers for snacks and drinks. Some were pushing baby strollers and many were carrying jackets, sweaters or blankets. They were all walking with purpose, it seemed, probably wanting to get a good spot before too many others came. It was a warm, humid night, perfect for an evening out under the stars. I wished that I could have been among them.
 

July really does bring us into those lazy, hazy days of summer, a time to slow down from the hectic pace by which we normally live. It’s the time of the year when we enjoy cook-outs with family and friends, trips to the beach, vacations, and hopefully, a less demanding schedule. It’s my prayer that we will all enjoy some relaxing and fun filled days throughout the summer, but I also pray that such times will enhance our sense of God’s presence in our lives. When you sit at the beach and out upon the water, thank God for the beauty of the seas. When you sit down to share an outdoor meal with friends, thank God for the gift of good food and friendship. When you vacation to other places, thank God that God’s love knows no boundaries. In other words, no matter where we are or what we are doing, if we practice the presence of God, I believe our experience will be blessed—even if it’s at the fire works!

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

(Psalm 136:1).

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Sandra