The Rector is literally rambling this week, having headed north for our annual family camping trip with Donna’s family in Pennsylvania. We also get to see my family while we’re there. When we moved south, I pledged that we would head north for one of the several family camping trips they’ve managed for decades. I will admit that camping is not my favorite thing in the world, but I really enjoy spending time with family, so it’s worth it.
Spending time with people that bring us joy is important. Building relationships with people that can improve the quality of our lives is important. Many studies have shown that people with healthy relationships with others, whether they be with family, friends, or in communities like churches, lead healthier lives and live longer. Plus, being around nice people is fun and interesting. All of us were created to be in relationship with others, and fostering that innate part of our creation is a good idea.
To that end, Christ Church is planning a pool party for June 17 that I hope you will join us for, even if you don’t swim! We’ve rented the pool at Neptune Park for the evening (5:30-8:30 pm) and are planning to have a parish barbeque, with swimming in the pool, and entertainment provided by Michael Hulett. We’re going to cook the meat and are hoping y’all will bring sides, salads, and desserts to share – and bring your favorite beverages, too. It should prove to be a great event, and is a PERFECT opportunity to invite someone you know, who is new to the area, or has expressed interest in Christ Church previously. It’s a good event for a family to invite another family to join them.
It is our hope that this event will help us build our common bonds and strengthen the relationships we share with one another, and thereby strengthen our parish. That, and it will be a lot of fun. I hope your life is already full with life-giving relationships, and that you’re open to growing and deepening the ones you have through Christ Church. I hope to see you at the pool on June 17!
Tom
Most gracious God, who created us to be companions and friends to one another along our life’s journey; thank you for blessing us with people in our lives who can bring us joy, support us when we need it, and share in the fullness of our days on this earth. Bless those we love, and continue to bless us with those who love us as incarnations of your love. Help us to be good friends, good partners, good spouses, parents, children, peers; help us to live into the calling of loving relationships you intend for your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.