Ordinary Time
June is a very busy month. It is the start of what’s known as Ordinary Time, the so called “green season” of Pentecost, though we don’t actually see green paraments on the altar, pulpit and lectern until the 4th Sunday, June 22nd. The first Sunday in June is the seventh Sunday of Easter but also the first Sunday after the Ascension. The Paraments will still be white, but you may notice that the Christ Candle will no longer be next to the Altar, signifying Christ’s return to the Father and His promise that we will be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). June 8th is Pentecost Sunday. On this day we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. The red paraments, fiery readings, and joyous hymns remind us that the Spirit is still active among us. June 15th is Holy Trinity Sunday. The paraments are back to white as we celebrate that God is one in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a profound mystery and a comforting truth. On June 22nd and 29th the paraments are green, though there is still much to celebrate. We remember John the Baptist, and the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul.
But those aren’t the only things going on in June. Our Mid-South District Convention is June 12th-14th. Mark Stolzer and I are serving as delegates at the convention, representing Grace in our voting. June 15th is Father’s Day. Make sure to do something special for your father; have dinner together, call him, send him a gift, let him know that you love him. June 16th kicks off VBS. This is our big children’s event of the summer and, for many, the highlight of the season. This year, the Children’s Team is excited to offer “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World”—a dynamic, Scripture-filled adventure from Group Publishing. Through Scripture, music, crafts, games, and prayer, they’ll learn that Jesus is our constant guide. We can trust Him to lead us safely no matter where life takes us.
While children grow in faith inside the building, something beautiful is growing outside as well—Katie’s Garden. Named in memory of Martin Luther’s wife, Katie’s Garden provides not only vegetables and flowers to the congregation and community but fellowship also. We invite you to get your hands dirty and your heart full with weekly maintenance and harvesting. We can always use help on Saturdays during our weekly veggie giveaway from 8-10am. Or maybe just sit on one of the benches and take in the miracle that God provides through some dirt and hard work. Whether you’re a green thumb or a willing learner, there’s a place for you in the garden. It’s not just about growing food—it’s about growing together in Christ.
The season after Pentecost, Ordinary Time, may not feel as dramatic as Easter or Christmas—but it is the season of growth. The green on the altar reminds us that the Church is alive and bearing fruit. This is the time to grow deeper roots in Worship, Scripture, service, and prayer. So, take advantage of the quieter rhythms of summer. Be in Worship and in the Word. Join a Bible study. Write a note of encouragement. Bring a friend to church. Serve at VBS. Work in the garden. In all these “ordinary” things, the Holy Spirit is at work in you and through you. Because when Jesus is at the center, nothing is ordinary.
Pastor Al
Our mission: “Bringing People to Christ by Bringing Christ to People”