Weekly Newsletter
Dear Friends,
We are enjoying some lovely weather this week in the Keys. Lobster mini-season has brought many visitors to our area; and the traffic makes it look like we are in the middle of March. We have not had any new lobster hunters at church, but I am hoping that next year we will find a way to make sure they know that they are invited to worship before going fishing.
I am finding my way around town, meeting lots of new people and have discovered the power of invitation. It is fun and exciting to invite people to church, just like inviting a new friend into your home, and we have had consistent visitors from the community, turn into every Sunday church goers this summer. Kirk and I plan to invite everyone down to our house for a cookout and swim party at the end of August as a kind of mini-retreat for the church, if you are in town please plan to join us on a date at the end of the month.
This past Sunday in church we focused on the story of Mary and Martha; looking at the story from the perspective of hospitality and helping, and the difference between helping another and listening to another person as a gift of hospitality and hope, or helping another in order to further our own needs and agenda. There is so much grace, when we put our own needs aside and allow the grace of God to act through us.
I received word from Greta and Phil, that Joe Scott had entered the hospital after suffering a stroke. His surgery was yesterday and Phil has called to let me know that Joe came through the long surgery and the surgery went well. Please keep Joe and his family in your prayers as he begins his recovery. Syliva continues to recovery from her fall and surgery, I plan to visit her this Friday and will bring along your good wishes. Even though so many of us are far from each other at this time geographically, I know that we are near in hearts and minds as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
Thank you to everyone for all of the phone calls and flowers and best wishes on my ordination.
May the Peace of the Lord Be Always With You,
Debra
The Reverend Debra Andrew Maconaughey
