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Hi everyone! As always, I hope you’re having a wonderful week and enjoying these sunny summer days.

It seems to have cooled off a bit lately. Perhaps that’s disappointing for some who really enjoy basking in the hot sunshine. On the other hand, I know others find it a relief when the temperatures stay below 25. However you feel about it, I’m sure we’re all glad that we’re not suffering under the extreme temperatures that have been a problem in Europe and other places recently. We need to be in prayer for those who are dealing with severe weather. It’s hard to imagine when the news reports come in that hundreds of people have died as a result of various heat-related conditions. Prayer for those who are affected by wildfires is in order too, of course.

I read the news, and once again I’m so grateful to live in a place where we’ve been spared so many of these extremes and difficulties. So far, at least, we’re blessed to be surrounded by beauty that can be safely enjoyed, under conditions that are really quite pleasant. I’m trying to take advantage of these blessings wherever I can. (Over the past week I managed to spend several hours floating in one of my favorite rivers, which was lovely. And Diane and I keep wandering into the woods in our off hours, which is lovely too!)  I hope you’re finding ways to enjoy the summer, the beauty around us, and the many other good gifts that are ours here in BC.

Last week I shared one of the old hymns that comes to my mind when I am able to venture outside and my heart is caught up in worship. Another of those wonderful old songs has been in my mind again this week. Perhaps you know it:

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, and skies and seas—His hand these wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world; He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. Oh let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world! Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King! Let the heavens right! God reigns—let earth be glad!

The good things we enjoy in this wonderful world are good because they come to us from the hand of a loving Heavenly Father. And when things don’t seem so good—which happens in a fallen world—we may grieve, but we can still have peace knowing that our Lord is ultimately in control. I’m so grateful to be able to walk through life with that perspective. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for so many who think that what happens in the world around us is simply random, with no guiding purpose and no hope that all will be good in the end. Thank God for the perspective of faith!

I hope you don’t mind my recent habit of sharing old hymns. I promise I won’t always do it in every newsletter all year long. Lately, worship songs have been on my mind, perhaps in part because I’ve been gearing up to start another summer sermon series in the Psalms. That’s where we’ll be going this next Sunday. If you want to read ahead this week, we’re going to begin with Psalm 113. It’s a short psalm at only 9 verses, so it’s easy to review. It’s a delightful psalm of worship. My heart has been encouraged as I’ve been reflecting on it; I hope yours will be as well.

Meanwhile, have a wonderful week. I look forward to gathering for worship again this Sunday.

Oh, that reminds me … wasn’t last week’s Community Day great! Thanks to everyone who shared, and prepared food, and helped to set up and clean up, and made us aware of various ministries and opportunities, and all the others who contributed to the day. Thanks to everyone who joined in. The conversations were delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed the time, and I think our Lord was pleased to see His people connecting with such a unified and joyful spirit. We may not have a special Community Day program every week, but we can still encourage and connect whenever we gather. It will be good to do it again this week.

Until then, richest blessings.

—Pastor Ken