There is a season

Hello FPCE Family,

You know there are many translations of the Bible out there.  One of them is called "The Voice," and it's written in a storytelling fashion, almost like a script.  Here's their take on a familiar passage we all know:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Teacher: For everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven:
2     A time to be born, a time to die;
        a time to plant, a time to collect the harvest;
3     A time to kill, a time to heal;
        a time to tear down, a time to build up;
4     A time to cry, a time to laugh;
        a time to mourn, a time to dance;
5     A time to scatter stones, a time to pile them up;
        a time for a warm embrace, a time for keeping your distance;
6     A time to search, a time to give up as lost;
        a time to keep, a time to throw out;
7     A time to tear apart, a time to bind together;
        a time to be quiet, a time to speak up;
8     A time to love, a time to hate;
        a time to go to war, a time to make peace.


9 What good comes to anyone who works so hard, all to gain a few possessions? 10 I have seen the kinds of tasks God has given each of us to do to keep one busy, 11 and I know God has made everything beautiful for its time. God has also placed in our minds a sense of eternity; we look back on the past and ponder over the future, yet we cannot understand the doings of God. 12 I know there is nothing better for us than to be joyful and to do good throughout our lives; 13 to eat and drink and see the good in all of our hard work is a gift from God. 14 I know everything God does endures for all time. Nothing can be added to it; nothing can be taken away from it. We humans can only stand in awe of all God has done. 15 What has been and what is to be—already is. And God holds accountable all the pursuits of humanity.


"The Voice" translation also has some commentary, and this speaks very well to us in our new season of change at FPCE:

The contrast between God and humanity could not be starker. The teacher drives this point home by reminding his reader that human lives and earthly accomplishments are fleeting. Nothing tangible is permanent. No work lasts. It all slips away and vanishes into thin air. Compare that to God. Everything God does is substantial. Everything God accomplishes lasts forever. Every word God speaks makes a difference. And so, God places within every person a sense of eternity to know yet not understand Him. This world with all its goodness and beauty is not as good as it gets. There is more, so much more, and we are made for that reality too. But not now, not yet.


So as we begin our transition to whatever the next chapter our congregation will be, we know in whom we must trust.

A few announcements to share with you:

1. We have guest preachers lined up until August 9.  The Rev. Kellie Weekley-Mills will join us for worship on July 5, 12, 26, and August 2.  The Rev. Carol Divens Roth leads us on July 19, and The Rev. Brian Wallace -- who was with us for Michael's retirement recognition from Presbytery -- joins us on August 9 to preach and lead communion.
2. The Worship Committee extends the invitation each week for anyone who feels comfortable to join us in the back of the sanctuary on Fridays at 1:00PM when we record the Sunday service.  You are asked to use the Swissvale Avenue entrance, to sit socially distanced in the back pews, to wear a mask.  You're invited to join in the spoken responses, but not to sing the hymns.  If you feel sick or don't feel safe to be out and in person, you are encouraged to stay home and watch the service Sunday morning.
3. We may be in need of a liturgist to assist in the leadership of the services.  Typically when we have guest preachers, we have someone share the worship leadership by doing announcements, saying the call to worship, prayer of confession, one of the scripture readings, and the prayer requests, so that the guest can just come in and share their scripture/sermon and lead the prayer.  Judy and I will make sure you have everything you need -- we would just need you to be available for recording on Fridays at 1:00.  Please let Judy or me know if this interests you.
4. In observance of the July 4 holiday, the church office will be closed tomorrow.  I will arrive around noon and make sure doors are open for those who wish to attend the recording session.
5. Michael was having issues with his FPCE email account earlier in the week and wanted folks to know that if you didn't receive a response from him, he wasn't ignoring you!  You're welcome to email him at [email protected].  He plans to keep in touch and follow up with some of our homebound members during our transition.  Though I believe right now he is on a well-deserved vacation!

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.  I'll send out the video links Sunday morning.  

Peace,
Shaun