Officially Vacation ~ Probably Summer

June 9, 2026

Beloved:
 
          My 26th Vacation Bible School at UBC.  It would be 28 but we missed two during the pandemic.  Kids of those early kids now sing and dance and make crafts.  Last night they made paper chain snakes, like the ones who live in the rainforest.  Tonight a guest will bring a real python, and a 36-year-old tortoise, and a bearded dragon ~ as we talk about the wonder of God’s creation and the wonder of their little selves.  I’m never prouder of my congregation than when they spend so much of their precious time to welcome little kids to church.  For my part, I’m as tired as the 2-year-olds by the time I leave the building.  All I can do is feed the dog and take a shower before I fall into bed.  I pick up my book and wake up hours later to take my glasses off and turn out the light.

          Silly songs and paper snakes, popsicles, water games and a full-grown man dressed up like Tarzan ~ having this much fun after all these years must surely mean I’m still in the right business.  There will be time to rest and recover later.  For now this is where I belong.

          In other news, the weather has officially turned to summer, heat in the 90’s and a little rain.  On the good side, my tomatoes will take off now and the neighborhood pool will warm up.  My plan is to wear out my welcome at the pool this year.  But for people living outside, the heat is not good news.  Places where they can get cool are fewer all the time.  A new Indiana law goes into effect next month making it a crime to sleep on public property overnight.  Cities who don’t comply will lose necessary funding from the state.  Thankfully local agencies, including law enforcement, are hard at work creating alternatives for our affected neighbors.  Ministers are preparing for the possibility folks will request staying on church properties.  This is most definitely something we can pray about, and if a meeting (or two or three) would benefit from your input.  But in the meantime, I hope you are making time to enjoy the delights of summer, whatever your favorites are.  I remain ever so grateful for your partnership in the work.  
 
~peace & prayers, 
pastor annette