Dear FPCA family,
The week before last my family made our way to Iowa for our annual trip to the Synod School of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. This is a weeklong gathering of Presbyterians (and friends) from the Midwest (and beyond) that takes place at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Participants this year ranged from 6 weeks old to 102 years young. My family has been attending this event for 20 years, and my husband, Phil, is on the planning team right now. In fact, next year he’ll be the volunteer Dean of the school.
One of the things I love about Synod School, and there are a lot of things that I love about Synod School, is the opportunity to be led in worship by creative and thoughtful worship leaders. This year the morning devotions were led by a friend of mine, the Rev. Dr. Matt Sauer, who has spent a lot of time studying and incorporating into his own ministry that of Fred Rogers. Each morning we started our day together with at song from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, a lesson from his teaching, and a prayer based on his poetry. Throughout the week I was touched by Mr. Rogers’ simple way of conveying love and care, his calm and inviting voice, and I heard it echoing in the scripture passage we will explore together on Sunday. Coming from Hosea 11, it is a respite in the middle of a more intense rebuke of Israel. Instead of telling God’s people all that they have done wrong and warning them of impending doom, the prophet speaks tenderly for God who reminisces on a lifetime of love poured out over the child Israel. I find it absolutely beautiful, and I hope you’ll find something in it that touches you, too.
Peace,
We Give Because Christ First Gave to Us
We give to support the ministries of First Presbyterian Church Allentown because we cannot imagine our lives without the life changing experiences that happen here.
