SUMMER REFLECTION FROM SALLY

We are in the final stages of getting ready for our busy summer with the Kinship program, which begins here on the 25^th of the month. This program gives a respite to the caregivers of children who, for one reason or another, are unable to be cared for by their own biological parents. We look forward to having the chatter of children enlivening our space.

Across the street, school is about to close down for the summer. We continue to think and pray about outreach to the youth of the neighborhood and of ways to engage them in positive activity. It is in the summer time, when young people don't have enough to do that police report the surge of violent street crime. There are many groups working on this problem in our city, even as we here work on our own "Community of Spirit" Program with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Let us pray for a peaceful summer.

While we pray for a peaceful summer, the war in Iraq persists endlessly, the conflict between Palestine and Israel remains and the atrocities in Darfur continue to shock and appall our senses. The global hot spots enflame, like gnawing tooth aches, while here in the U.S. the debate over immigration is still painfully unresolved and the Presidential candidates ramp up their efforts to win the hearts and votes of Americans.

Summer is the time we associate with vacationing, of going someplace away…away from our usual environs. And by vacating, we hope to renew. When we come back, the troubles, issues and responsibilities are all still there, but we come back to face them all with refreshed minds and spirits. Yet, as people of faith, we don't have to go anywhere to renew. We can do it anytime and in any season. Christ said, "come all you who are weary and I will refresh you.” Living with Christ as a daily presence in our lives helps us avoid the sense of overload with the world. A pause to meditate in the midst of the chaos can be like a mini-vacation. Like calling forth the Spirit upon the waters, we can renew by taking a deep breath of air and reminding ourselves of what a precious gift this life of our is. The summer is a good time to go away. It is also a good time to come home; come home to your life in Chris t, fully awake and aware of where you come from and to whom you will one day return.

May your summer be filled with the blessings of fun, family, and faith.

Sally