Closer Than Breath

Good evening, Loved Ones,

It's barely hump day still. Another 57 minutes here in Central time. It's getting more difficult for me to get this done on Wednesdays. I'll try to figure out a way to get the e-mail posted earlier in the day. But until I do, I hope that you will be patient and continue to respond, even if it's Thursday or Friday or any day.

Our quote today comes from the Rev. George MacLeod. George MacLeod was a pastor in the Church of Scotland. He pastored a church in the Govan neighborhood in Glasgow during the 1920's and 30's. He saw that most pastors were disconnected from the poor. During the depression many skilled blue collar workers were out of work. Pastor MacLeod arranged for seminary students to work alongside these workers to help rebuild the chapel and abbey on the western isle of Iona. Today the Abbey is a place of welcome and peace for people from all over the world. His life and theology was incarnational as is this quote.

God is at the heart of all life, in both the visible and invisible. We don't have to try to reach God through acts of devotion, for God is closer to us than our very breath. We have been given union with God whether we like it or not. Our flesh is his flesh, and we can't jump out of our skins. The Rev. George MacLeod

Much to be thankful for . . .

Twenty-five years of partnership, family and love with my wife and best friend, DeDe.

Seventeen years of getting to know Lucas, the youngest of God's two most tremendous gifts to our family. Happy B-Day, Pato Lucas!

Two more weeks before Sam heads back to Oberlin. Another great summer with Sam the Yeoman.

A Wednesday night prayer group with more than 30 people singing, praying, eating and celebrating.

Charlie the Honest One who gave it to us straight in an impromptu interview in Clyde, MO. Woven through the f-bombs and bull he told us what was important to him and helped us to understand the community.

God's incarnation in Jesus and in each of us at one and the same time keeping us humble and pointing us toward glory.

Gimme cinco!
Pastor Rick