SUMMERVILLE TIMES MAY, 2014
Unlike our secular calendars, the church year reminds us that Easter is not over once the Day of Resurrection is celebrated. The period of time following Easter is called “The Great Fifty Days,” a season of joy and thanksgiving, when the meaning of the Resurrection unfolds, and we anticipate the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Forty days after Easter marks the assumption of glory and power by the crucified and resurrected Lord. We affirm this reality when we confess that Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. The readings from the Acts of the Apostles will be the focus of our proclamation in May. These readings testify to the formation of faith in the life of the early church. Luke, these author of this manuscript, was a historian, and the church would be impoverished without his careful documentation of the activities of the apostles and early believers.
There are other timely concerns in the month of May that will be addressed in our worship services. Older Adult Week begins on May 4. We celebrate the unique contributions of this age group, and we also recognize special needs which deserve sensitivity and compassionate response. Presbyterian Heritage Sunday is May 25. This celebration is particularly meaningful in this region of the state, where immigrants from Scotland made an enduring impact upon the religious life and cultural development of the citizens of this state. The portraits of early pastors at Summerville Church show that most of them can be linked to these migrations from Scotland. May 26 is observed as Memorial Day, a time to honor the memory of those service personnel who gave their lives in the defense of liberty. I will be participating in a special observance that day at Carolina Trace.
I should not have to remind the good citizens at Summerville that May 6 is a primary voting day. Voting is a precious privilege that should never be neglected by those who value their freedom.
Our family will enjoy a vacation together the second week in May, but I will be present each Sunday to lead worship.
A joyous spring to all!
Pastor Tom
Unlike our secular calendars, the church year reminds us that Easter is not over once the Day of Resurrection is celebrated. The period of time following Easter is called “The Great Fifty Days,” a season of joy and thanksgiving, when the meaning of the Resurrection unfolds, and we anticipate the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Forty days after Easter marks the assumption of glory and power by the crucified and resurrected Lord. We affirm this reality when we confess that Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. The readings from the Acts of the Apostles will be the focus of our proclamation in May. These readings testify to the formation of faith in the life of the early church. Luke, these author of this manuscript, was a historian, and the church would be impoverished without his careful documentation of the activities of the apostles and early believers.
There are other timely concerns in the month of May that will be addressed in our worship services. Older Adult Week begins on May 4. We celebrate the unique contributions of this age group, and we also recognize special needs which deserve sensitivity and compassionate response. Presbyterian Heritage Sunday is May 25. This celebration is particularly meaningful in this region of the state, where immigrants from Scotland made an enduring impact upon the religious life and cultural development of the citizens of this state. The portraits of early pastors at Summerville Church show that most of them can be linked to these migrations from Scotland. May 26 is observed as Memorial Day, a time to honor the memory of those service personnel who gave their lives in the defense of liberty. I will be participating in a special observance that day at Carolina Trace.
I should not have to remind the good citizens at Summerville that May 6 is a primary voting day. Voting is a precious privilege that should never be neglected by those who value their freedom.
Our family will enjoy a vacation together the second week in May, but I will be present each Sunday to lead worship.
A joyous spring to all!
Pastor Tom
