I Don't Get Manicures Anymore

Dear MRC Family,

Blessings to you, beloved of God, in this season of Ordinary Time

When I lived in NYC, one of the luxuries I gave myself was to get a manicure-pedicure every two weeks. It was a time where I could relax and get pampered. After I moved out here, I stopped indulging. But over the last year, I’ve gone back to getting my “mani-pedis,” relishing the time to read a book or just sit back and enjoy. (I’m wincing as I write this because I feel like I sound so “frou-frou” and I am definitely not that kind of woman!)

However, I don’t get manicures anymore.

This is because my hands are constantly dirty as I weed and harvest from our Community Garden, pretty much every day now. Recently, we gave 13 pounds of potatoes and the tomatoes in the photo above to the Calico Food Pantry. Next week, we will use celery, lettuce, and onions we grew for the delicious meal our volunteers will prepare at the Bayshore Lunch Program.

I am so grateful for this ministry and mission — We Are Called to Feed & Love One Another — as everything we grow is given away to local food pantries, our congregation, or anyone in need of fresh, organic produce. And I am so thankful for all the volunteers who help in the garden to fulfill this mission. My mantra about the garden is that we plant the seeds, tend to the plants as best we know how, and then we wait to see what God grows. Rather like how God’s word is planted in us and then we get to see what fruit the Spirit produces. Look at that!

So, come this Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost at 10:30AM to worship and see what God will grow in you. Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Prelude “Perseverance” and the Anthem “By the Spirit.” Our centering Scripture is Philippians 4.4-8. Also, as it is the second Sunday, we will collect our Deacon's offering for those in need in our church and community.

I still need more questions from you for “Stump the Pastor” this Sunday and next. And anyone can submit, near or far. Please send me a question concerning something you've been wondering about, thinking over, puzzling upon, etc. It can be about worship, Scripture, or a theological topic. I will collect your questions, write them on an index card, and then pull one from a basket and give a message based on that question, using Scripture to the best of my on-the-spot knowledge. For those who have already submitted their questions — thank you! I’m looking forward to answering your questions as it gives me an opportunity to know what you are wondering about in your faith journey. And that will help me to be a more attentive and caring Pastor.

If you are unable to be in person for worship, we will be streaming live on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@mrcafabulouschurchoflove1611. Also, if you are away this summer, we would be grateful if you would still send in your tithes/offerings so we can continue to do the work of Jesus which doesn’t stop during the summer. Please consider sending in your offerings online at www.mrchurch.us/give or to 121 Kings Highway Middletown, NJ 07748. Thank you for your continued generosity!

Keep bothering and following Jesus, beloved

With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish