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Hello St. John’s Family,
A hummingbird – at the cardinal flower! I blurted that out loud early Tuesday morning, after glancing out the window and seeing one of these amazing little creatures pause for a few moments and investigate the bright red blooms. I was alone, but that couldn’t contain my excitement. It was awesome to finally see a hummingbird visit and receive a meal - not from the feeders that I’ve placed around the yard, but from one of the natural plants they typically seek out. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone. A quick glance – hopefully, the first of many!
While I’ve shared of my love of birds many times, hummingbirds are one of my favorites. So, as spring approached this year, I thought of ways I could encourage more hummingbirds to frequent our yard. Feeders are nice, but what else could I do to cultivate an environment that would be enticing and sustaining – a place where key needs would be met and the little birds can receive what they need to thrive? Basically, I was looking for a way for these birds to view the area around the parsonage as home. My investigation soon led to purchasing and planting some native flowers.
Early April brought containers of lobelia (cardinal flower) and lonicera (honeysuckle). Each have different light and watering requirements; one requires lattice support and the other does not. Needless to say, a significant amount of work went into planting and nurturing each plant… with no guarantee of results. After all, even if the plants mature and bloom, a hummingbird may only spend a few seconds at the flowers each day, if it finds the plant at all. The probability of me looking at a flower at the precise time a hummingbird is there isn’t very high.
As I took in the hummingbird visit, my mind went to the tremendous amount of work that began in our Ed Wing shortly after the new year. Each Monday night, a dedicated team gathered to plan and construct scenes of the Alaskan wilderness, so that Fellowship Hall and the classrooms can be transformed for Vacation Bible School. So many hours and so much effort joyously given, all for this week: 15 hours of time with the 41 children God provided. In that short time, we have no way of knowing how that work will ultimately play out. Will these children return? Will they form a relationship with Christ that will remain with them across their lives? That is our prayer and hope. Still, we have no way of knowing what lies in the future.
I’m so thankful to share how I’ve seen many moments across the week where the children here have reflected to love of Jesus! Unlike the passing glance of that hummingbird, seeing children sing and dance to the songs, listen to the Bible stories, be amazed by experiments at Imagination Station, and fill the hallways with so much joyous noise – all that constantly revealed the clear presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the week! An amazing and faithful group of leaders, teachers, and helpers have showered each child with God’s love, and it shows.
As I reflected on all of this, I was reminded of God’s great faithfulness. The Apostle Paul once wrote: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). For months on end, so many have been planting and watering; cultivating an environment for children to experience the love and peace of Christ. That came together in a beautiful way this week – thank you for all you’ve given to extend Christ’s love. I know and trust that God will continue to bring forth growth from all you’ve given.
And, for the moments that all the effort seems to only yield fleeting results, think of that hummingbird. While I may only have seen it once, there’s a very good chance it’s being nourished daily. Though I may not see the results, the work given to cultivate a habitat continues to provide nourishment during the many times I’m looking elsewhere. I am sure that God will continue to build up and strengthen the faith in these children long after Friday… whether we see that or not.
I hope you’ll join me this Sunday for worship! Rev. Megan Berkebile, our Director of Children’s Ministries, will lead us in worship as we celebrate our week of True North VBS. It will be an uplifting morning, so check out Matthew 6:25-333, then join me in worship-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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