Newsletter Thoughts June 28, 2025

Dear Friends,

I hope you are all well this weekend. In times of tension, we can remember that even in the midst of trouble we can find joy in the world that God created. I think that finding this joy (whatever it is for each of us) is critical to our spiritual health.

Last week I said that I was starting a series of posts about a favorite book “Everything Isn’t Terrible.”

During the week I kept thinking that “maybe I already shared this book with you all.” So, yesterday I looked at my files, and yes, I already shared this book! So, I won’t do so again, but if you want to re-read those previous posts let me know and I will share them with you.

This week I’ll share a little story that reminded me of God’s grace.

I have an iPhone. And though it has a protective cover, I seem to be good at dropping it in such a way that the screen protector breaks. I did this in March, dropping it in front of an Italian restaurant in Chicago. It hit just right, so that I could barely see past all the cracks.

When I returned home, I bought a new screen protector… in a 3-pack! My phone looked nice and clear, almost like new, after I installed the new screen protector. This reminded me a bit of grace. We mess up and our mistakes can look pretty ugly, even if we are the only ones who see them. But grace, erases whatever mars us. (I know, this may be a bit much, but grace really does continually give us new starts).

A couple weeks after replacing my phone’s screen protector, I was at the beach with family and traversing some rocks when my phone fell out of my pocket. Thankfully I was able to retrieve it! But the new screen protector had fresh scratches. Kinda like the way we mess up day after day! I chose to keep the scratched phone as a reminder that I am imperfect.

Then, on Wednesday of this week, I dropped my phone in the backyard. Is my clumsiness a reminder of sin? When I picked it up the bottom portion of the screen protector was a mess. So, I replaced it today. It is now clean and clear and restored. Of course, this is just for now because I will (hopefully not too soon) scratch or mar the screen. This is life. We are continually cleansed through grace, and we continually mess up. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit in her love never withholds grace. We need it each day.

What reminds you of the gift of grace? I’d love to hear your story.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Nancy