We said “so long” on Sunday to our dear friend, mentor, and retired pastor, Beverly Tye. While it was difficult to see her leave, I know it is temporary. She is a short drive by Texas standards, only four hours to Blanco, Texas. We will miss Beverly, but she has promised to visit and to keep in touch. Reverend Tye’s sermon on Sunday morning was meaningful to me. I had not considered myself someone called to ‘kiss a frog.’ She was spot on in her description of frogs and in their place in the minds of humans, not very attractive, do not invoke joy, etc. But the sound made by the tree frogs in my yard just after the sun goes down is very soothing to me. It is a sound I can listen to for hours as I let the stress of my day peel away. Maybe God intended frogs to be heard and not seen. 

We have our first summer concert scheduled at Saint Matthew on June 29^th at 6:30 pm. Musicians Cassandra Kirby and Nicholas Garza will be performing for us. Cassandra and Nicholas are great friends of Blake’s and are well-known artists in the local music scene. The concert is free of charge and an offering will be collected to support the ministries of Saint Matthew.

Don’t forget the ladies’ luncheon tomorrow with crafting beginning at 10 am and lunch at 11:30. Blessings to all, Mary

Sunday, we met a wonderful peacekeeper by the name Abigail. Her husband, Nabal, was a man of great wealth; he had 3000 sheep, and a thousand goats. Nabal was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

David sent out ten young men to keep the shearers safe for Nabal. David told his young men to greet Nabal and ask for food in return for their safety. Nabal grew very angry and refused to give them any food for the protection. The young men returned to David to give him Nabal’s response. David said to his men, gird on your sword. Every man girded on his sword; David also girded on his sword. David took about 400 men. But one of the young men told Abigail. When Abigail learns what happened, she quickly gathers supplies and food for David and his men. She then finds David and apologizes on behalf of her husband. Peace is established and David praises Abigail for her good judgement. Abigail’s’ act allows David and his men to experience peace through good judgement.

This story demonstrates the importance of peacekeeping efforts and provides us an example of what not to do if our gestures are not met in friendly ways. We have some exciting plans for Sunday. Hope to see you in church!