It’s that time of year when people are planning trips and family gatherings and going to springs and beaches to cool off. For those of us who aren’t traveling, there’s the continuing conversations about heat, humidity and hurricanes. Even though some boards and committees aren’t meeting, things are still happening at UCG.

I can’t believe a month has gone by since I became Moderator—it’s certainly been busy! We had a successful Leadership Summit with 13 participants. I attended UCG 101 to meet potential new members. And our new worship theme “In my Backyard” has been enhanced by another wonderful installation of church member artwork organized by the Lively Arts Committee.

Our youth group and chaperones had a successful work tour to Chicago. We’re moving forward with the re-roofing of the Education Wing and Reimer Hall. The Board of Business is forming a sub-committee to address buildings and grounds issues. The Financial Sustainability and Stewardship Committee is looking at a variety of topics regarding enlistment and endowment. We’re planning for Time and Talent to be in person at the end of August.

Whatever you do during this time, I hope you have time to rest and re-energize. I like this reading for summer:

Cure me with quiet; bless me with peace.

Comfort my heaviness; stay me with ease.

Stillness in solitude send down like dew;

My armor of fortitude, piece and make new,

That, when I rise again, I may shine bright

As the sky after rain, as the day after night.

 – Ruth Pinter