Newsletter Thoughts July 19,2025

Dear Friends,

What a joy it was to celebrate ALC’s anniversary last week. I loved the stories that some of you shared. They told of a welcome that is not always experienced in worshipping communities. My hope is that more and more people will experience and share, that kind of welcome.

As you all know, I am recovering from knee surgery. This was a big week for me in that I was able to do everything except trying to run. Monday was a favorite hike with a big climb. It was foggy but still beautiful (see photo). Then another hike with a friend, a swim, and an end to the week with a long, uphill bike ride. I will be ready to start running soon!

Yesterday, before the ride I realized that I had a flat tire (tube) on my bike. There was no one around to change it for me. So, I set out to do it myself, knowing that I’ve done it before and knowing that it is hard for me to do. The first challenge was getting the flat tube out of a fairly stiff tire. I almost gave up! Then, it was off!

The next challenge was to insert the new tube. This wasn’t too hard, but I had to be careful not to pinch it (something I did the first time I tried to change a tire). Then the hard part was to get the tire back on to the bike rim. This was the hardest part, and I almost gave up many times. The tools to help with this task kept coming off and flying across my garage! I had thought I’d need to call my friends and cancel the bike ride. But I am a bit stubborn and kept trying and trying, until somehow the tire slid into place. I was only 5 minutes late!

This experience reminds me that perseverance is important. Trying to do the hard things is important. Sometimes we look ahead and the task before us seems daunting, and we may be tempted to give up. It just seems too hard! This applies to the work we do as Christians. Whether it is reaching out to others, establishing a daily routine of prayer and bible study, or forgiving others. But even in the hardest times, we can make progress if we keep trying.

What lessons have you learned about perseverance? I would love to hear from you. Meanwhile I look forward to worshiping with you all tomorrow.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Nancy