WHAT A BLAST!

             “We have ignition!” I yelled. Hearing the blast of the propane gas as my in-laws 25^th Anniversary Balloon Ride began to take shape, I was in charge of holding it steady as it filled up for liftoff. I knew no one could hear me as they were far closer to the source of this tremendous noise than I was at the far end of the outstretched material, but it was exciting to feel the lift that was soon to begin pulling at me as the balloon reached for the sky. What a sight as they floated away on this great adventure that we hoped reflected their many adventures together over the past 25 years.

           This flight of wonder brought to mind the 40^th Anniversary, celebrated just last month (7/20), of the Apollo 11 Mission to the moon and that amazing moonwalk that mesmerized a nation. I can only imagine the sound of those rocket thrusters and the thrill of that journey as the astronauts experienced something literally out of this world. Did you realize that only 12 astronauts have ever walked on the moon! That is a remarkable thought and some pretty exclusive company. I think we all like to feel a part of something bigger than we ever imagined we could be associated with. Did you know that Decatur St. Mark’s UMC is just such a place?

     I am the seventh pastor to organize and direct the ministries, and other ministers, of St. Mark’s UMC. I realize that there were some 77 other Lead and Associate pastors who have served either this (8 Associates) or previously related EUB congregations (69 without double counting our very own intrepid Rev. Miller).

That’s a pretty impressive group and I am humbled to follow in their footsteps as we explore the landscape of faith in a new day together. I want to thank you for the warm and caring welcome that my family has experienced since we arrived last month. The kind gifts for the boys and Kristine and me were especially uplifting. Add to that, the blast of excitement from the staff and summer ministry that we got to share in and I think I can yell with just as mush excitement, “We have lift off!”

     The thrill now is to trust the wind, our fuel and supplies, and the basket

we’re riding in to take us on an amazing adventure. I look forward to seeing where we will go in the days ahead.

Please plan to join in the combined worship at 9:15 a.m. on September 13^th for our Fall Family Festival. It should be a blast!