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EXPLORE
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There is a lovely green patch outside our back church door. Just before the cemetery. On August 18 we plan to have an outdoor service there.
No air conditioning in the church makes us stop and think. For so many years, no one ever dremed of air conditioning, yet our foreparents managed to do their work, inside and out, attend church regularly and endure the heat.
How times have changed! Our summer congregations show the change as numbers diminish due to special events, family visits and vacations. Of course, what it costs to keep the church going does not change because of the weather. And as i was thinking of that, I called up on my computer words I'd used in reference to giving:
The noun BENEFICENCE has two senses: 1. Doing well, 2. The quality of being kind or helpful or generous. (Beneficience used as a noun is rare).
and BENEVOLENCE which "characterizes the true goodness of the mind, the unbiased kindness to do good. It confers thought and regard for the welfare of others, and finds expression in sympathy and kindly gentleness and compassion.
And I thought of the many hours so many of you give which fit those two words: hospitality time, teaching, nursery care, cleaning, planting, repairs, visiting, making meals for others, and so many wonderful givings.
And along with that are the offering envelopes. Folks are suffering from the economy and are often unable to give as they would like, or at all. That's OK. That's what benevolence is all about. Thanks to all of you who love your church and each other.
God's blessings on all of us!
Your loving Pastor, Barbara Moran
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