O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples. (Psalm 96:1-3)

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.
Living in the rural wilds, we certainly have ample opportunity to experience God’s creation. We are blessed to live somewhere we can witness vegetation, undomesticated animals, and fresh air.
Oftentimes we can be distracted from God’s goodness all around us. We notice pungent smells rather than the strength and power of animals. We notice the weeds more than the flowers. We notice the blight more than healthy fruit. Our society has taught us that the environment is something we should control. Nature itself has taught us that it cannot be controlled.
Recently, I was reading a book that emphasized a need for communities to have the opportunity to commune with God’s creation. She was bemoaning the disconnect that many civilizations have developed between humans and the created world. Within that disconnect, comes increased separation between humans and humans, and between humans and God.
As we, as society, drift further from the world God created, we drift further from the one who created it. We retreat into ourselves and become more and more isolated. Yet, a world full of wonder exists right outside of ourselves.
This world inspired Psalmists to sing and dance. This amazing world has nurtured humans for millennia. God’s marvelous creation has been the catalyst for poets and hymnists, musicians and dancers, artists and orators. Creation yokes God and the human spirit. God’s awesome creativity sparks our own.
The theme for this summer’s Vacation Bible School is ‘God’s Creation Nature Camp.’ Join our youngest disciples as they connect to God’s creation and revel in the work of His hands. Pray with them. Play with them. Be in awe with them! “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3)
The grace and peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

In Christ,
Pastor Carla

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be revered above all gods.
Honor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. (Psalm 96:4,6)