Pastor's Moment
“The Literal Bible"

For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. (Exodus 20:11 NSRVue).

On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:2-3 NRSVue).

Do I even dare go down this rabbit hole of a discussion and can we actually take the bible text literally? This is the story of my father, and it could be of yours as well. For many years now, the church for my father is that place of rest. “On the seventh day [my father] rested” in his pew. Ok, he claims to be listening, but a funny story resonates in our immediate family. One fine Sunday as we sit sort of attentively, as farmers come to church usually a bit tired, and again my father is meditating intently. Ok, he’s out cold! During the sermon message he must have been dreaming as suddenly there was a loud “HUH!” which he made, causing us to give a bit of a giggle and a quick poke to wake him once again. Even in my latter years at Taylors Falls UMC my job was to give a poke when he started nodding off, almost falling out of the pew. But isn’t this what God asks of us, to put our every effort in caring for his creation with all of our heart and soul, and when your job is done rest.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NRSVue). I ask my father each week what happened in church today? His response often is “I heard the announcements, the first hymn and the last hymn. Anything in between is anyone's guess.” So if you will follow God’s advice, come to worship but you have my permission to rest. It’s ok, I won’t mind and will make sure you wake up in time to leave. Worship in your own way every Sunday!

Come for the coffee, stay for the fellowship and enjoy a donut while you are at it! Yes, our church family is ready to embark on our first Fresh Expression mission and ministry. Currently we will brand it with “Your Favorite Cup” as we invite the community to share a cup of coffee with us. A small group from our congregation will meet next week to discuss this, and then as we move forward this month would invite all to help out with serving our community one cup at a time. Young and old alike are invited to help serve coffee at the downtown bakery. (Many don’t even know they serve coffee) If you would like to help out and want to know more, please contact the pastor, or ask after church some time. We hope to begin the second Wednesday in August.

Our Church Vision: Caring for you and each other, bringing the hope of Christ to our community and the world. We know and care for each other. We accept, welcome and offer hospitality to all people. We serve together.  We welcome all families and nurture children. We foster intergenerational relationships.

Our Church Mission: “Living for Christ, Sharing His Love”