A mid-week word from Pastor Darren...
Finally…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable…think about these things. –Philippians 4:8
Dear APUMC Family,
When did May become the new December?
That question was posed to me last year, as we recognize that the rhythm of multiple graduation events, end of school year shuffles, and ‘getting my kid moved in or out of college’ has created a pace that rivals the busyness of the Christmas holidays. Not to mention that others are lining up summer jobs, summer camps, and summer vacations.
Some of you will recall the classic lullaby of Ella Fitzgerald:
Summertime, and the livin’ is easy
Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy’s rich and your ma is good lookin’
So hush, little baby, don’t you cry…
Does this still resonate with us? Or is it now just a nice piece of nostalgia from a different cultural age?
Without question, the times have changed. The fish aren’t the only ones jumping at this time of year. It seems that we all have a variety of commitments that are pulling us in multiple directions. None of us can do it all, but it is good to find peace in our own choices. As another favorite song of mine says, “decide what to be and go be it.”
As I share this with you, I want to let you know of a decision that we are mulling over here in the church office. Right now, there is concern over whether or not we will have the volunteer support necessary to conduct a safe and fruitful Vacation Bible School this year. I say this not to our shame, but simply as a witness to reality.
Presently, we have 61 enrolled for VBS (June 8-11). By our current estimates and planning, we will need approximately 10 more volunteers to successfully administer this program. If you are willing and able to support this particular mission, or know of others in our community who would like to participate, we ask that you help notify the church office immediately. Linda Noble can be reached at
Thank you for your consideration.
…practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9).
For Christ,
Darren