A note from Pastor Travis 7/6/23

Last week, I had the privilege to go on a planning retreat in Wells, Maine. It was a wonderful week. I spent a lot of time thinking about the church, looked ahead at worship for 2024, planned the Stewardship program, and chose the Lenten study. I also spent time praying, walking, and playing. It was a refreshing week for my body, mind, and spirit.

One of the things that I enjoyed was walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. The Marginal Way is a walking path along the cliffs that overlook the ocean. It is a beautiful walk, and there are benches along the way where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.

As I walked the path, I noticed something strange. The people sitting on the benches weren’t watching the rolling waves or the seagulls. They were looking at their phones. Now, to be fair, some were using them to take pictures of the scenery, but most seemed to be on social media, watching a video, or scrolling the internet (also to be fair, I didn’t actually see what was on their screens – I am not that nosey or rude!).

It was sad to see people missing the beauty all around them for something they could have been doing sitting in their homes. It felt like a waisted moment. Now, I have been guilty of doing the same thing. Perhaps you have too. This incident served as a reminder to me to be present to the moment and to appreciate the wonderful gifts and people that are a part of my life.

I offer this story as a way of reenforcing this commitment in my own life, and to offer it to you as a reminder for yours.

May we fully experience the beauty of the world and the joys of this season, for this is a day that God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Peace and Grace,

Pastor Travis