Greetings Jamestown UMC family and friends!
Many of you may know that I am in the ninth week of recovery from open heart surgery. Many thanks are due to this congregation for the many cards and gifts and words of encouragement Rich and I have received. Praise be to God that things are slowly getting back to a new kind of normal as those pieces from before the surgery come back to life, and a new sense of normal arises.
One thing that I am looking forward to is returning to our Monday morning bible study times. And I am looking forward to our study guide, which was written by a United Methodist pastor Matt Rawle. Finding Grace in Les Miserables. Matt’s book uses the classic novel by Victor Hugo, of the same title. Together we will examine the lives of the 
characters in Hugo’s story and studying the scriptures. We will find many of our Biblical truths, especially about grace.
I am so excited about this bible study!
I guess I am just so excited to be starting back to regularly meeting with friends, and sharing stories, and digging into scripture to find out more about God's love for me- for us - for his whole Creation!
We will have an evening class also, if there is enough interest. I am also excited about being back in worship and fellowship in meetings and gatherings.
But, so often, I find myself (maybe you do also) going through life’s events, and not even realizing God is right here.
A few nights ago, we were able to witness nature and God's handiwork in the nighttime sky, as countless lightning strikes streaked across the summer sky and lit up the darkness with flash after flash of beautiful lightening. It was fabulous to watch! It reminded me of how much we can take for granted. And how much we have to be thankful for...even if it may seem small or unimportant. God is present to us in the little and the mundane, but also God is always faithful. God reminds us in the details that he is in control, and we can count on this to be true even when we may not experience his presence in a strong way. We can know him and learn continuously about our relationship with him. Through regular attendance in worship, bible study, visiting those who are lonely and sick, grieving, and in serving others. It is my prayer that you all will find comfort in experiencing a renewed sense of God's presence in the weeks and months that follow.
And do share your story with friends, neighbors, church family, with all of us – your witness and story blesses us all! I am so thankful for all you share with me!
I love being your pastor, and love serving alongside every one of you! I love to hear from you as well! Thank you for your patience and prayers. I look forward to hearing from you in the weeks ahead!
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