Hello, Friends!
   On Sunday I shared some reflections emerging from an inspiring encounter with a powerful minister of the Gospel.  Retired Bishop Peter Storey of South Africa was once again with us here in Austin, to guide, challenge, and inspire us to put feet to our faith, and be true to our prophetic as well as our pastoral call from the living Christ.
  He reminded us that God’s work for justice never ends, and quoted a saying from a South African folk tradition—whenever someone has completed a good work, the traditional response is,
“Don’t get tired tomorrow.”
   And it can be tempting to “get tired,” to give up or get discouraged, to feel that our tiny efforts toward the good can’t possibly be of any real or lasting benefit, given the extent of the world’s hurts.
   Bishop Storey spoke movingly of how heartbreaking it is to see his own country once again “in flames,” with natives lashing out against immigrants, the African spirit of hospitality apparently run dry.
   But he has hope, he has conviction, he has determination and complete dedication to participating in living out what he calls “the Jesus response” to this and all injustice.  Given all he’s experienced in the years leading up to the end of apartheid, he has good grounds for believing in miraculous, marvelous healing, regeneration, and reconciliation.
     Here at St. Luke we’re always seeking ways to be of service, ways to grow in compassionate consciousness, ways to stay connected to ministries of justice on behalf of all God’s people.  We’re relatively few in number and “limited” in resources, so we can find it challenging at times to stay balanced in our choices between self-care and self-giving. We want to care well for each other and enjoy the journey together, so we can  remember to trust God’s abundant love to guide, sustain, and inspire us.   
     This summer you’ll have numerous opportunities to plug in here as we raise issues of urgent concern in our community and our world.  On Sunday mornings and some Sunday evenings and on our website you’ll find ways to join us as we continue to celebrate, learn, and grow in loving service together.
      There’s always more to do, and there’s always the love of God, the light of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us on our way.
    Don’t get tired tomorrow—and remember to enjoy today!

  I look forward to loving and learning with you this Sunday, and all our days to come.

Shalom,
Sarah