Do you ever think about the rhythm of life?  By rhythm I mean more than the routine of our days, because our routines can contribute to or detract from the rhythm of life.  Routines are what we do without much thought throughout the day.  Most anyone can see our routines simply by following us around.  We have routines for getting up, getting ready for the day, even moving through the day.   We have routines about meals, work, chores, even about the arrangements of clothes in closets and drawers.  Routines serve a purpose—they can provide a sense of order and control, which can certainly provide a sense of comfort.   Most of us need our routines and patterns—perhaps these are ingrained into all living creatures, for even our dog who though he has the entire back yard to roam, follows a distinct pattern creating a well worn path around the edges.

But life is much more than routine, and sometimes it takes getting away from the routines to see the larger rhythms of life.  For at least half of the last 6 to 7 weeks, I have been out of the “routine” of life in Norman—first the mission trip to Guatemala, then a quick trip to D.C. to visit our son, followed by a week in Hot Springs to celebrate our parent’s 50th wedding anniversary.  Being in a different place allows one to choose a different routine, or to be sensitive to another rhythm in life.  While in Guatemala, so closely tied to the rhythm of the land and agriculture and nature, I was aware of the glory of God in nature; while in D.C., I was aware of magnificent art, architecture, history, and a much different ‘routine’ of moving through the day; while in Hot Springs, I was aware of simply sitting and listening to nature, taking time to prepare and actually linger over and enjoy a meal, patiently waiting for the fish to tug at the line.  Such moments helped me feel connected to the larger rhythms of life—the ways of the seasons, the beauty of the land, the expanse of history and time, the simplicity of being enlivened by the gift of life teeming around us.

The difference it seem to me is that routines can be done somewhat mindlessly; but being attentive to the rhythms of life is a profoundly mind-fulfilling experience.  To be  sure we need our routines, but to be connected with the Creator and what we have been created to become, we  need the  opportunity  to sense and be “in sync” with the larger rhythms of life.  My hope and prayer for each of us is that beyond the routines, we might find ways—every day—to be in the rhythm with life.

To Life!

The annual Mission Trip celebration and dinner will be held on Sunday, July 27th in the Fellowship Hall at noon.  All participants in the mission trip, their families, all those who supported the mission trip financially and/or through prayer, as well as all others interested in learning about the mission trip to Guatemala are invited to the dinner.  It will be a great celebration, including pictures, a video, and several comments offered by the youth and the leaders, as they share their experiences of this year’s mission trip.

Christians have often been called “people of the book,” an expression that reflects the importance of scripture in our lives. And yet, a recent survey shows that while the Bible has long been known as America’s best-selling book, 45 percent said they never or seldom read scripture. Reading scripture is important to our faith, and yet, reading scripture can be challenging, even intimidating. One way to address this struggle is Disciple Bible Study.

Disciple Bible Study offers you a chance to explore the stories and themes of scripture in an in-depth way. Classes will begin in August and meet for 32-34 weeks. During that time you will have daily reading and reflection and will meet weekly for 2 ½ hours with other participants to explore and discuss the reading further. A significant commitment to be sure, but as one Disciple participant has shared, “the greatest gift I would wish for others who have not enrolled is to take up this study.”

This year we are offering two Disciple Bible Study courses. Disciple 2 will explore the Old Testament books of Genesis-Exodus and the New Testament books of Luke-Acts.  It will meet on Sunday evening at 5 p.m.  Disciple 4 will explore the Old Testament Writings (Esther, Ezra, Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Daniel) and the New Testament books of the Gospel and Letters of John and Revelation. It will meet on Sunday evening at 5 p.m. and Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

On the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 a.m., the men of First Christian are invited to gather for our Monthly Prayer Breakfast. After a simple breakfast, we enjoy a time of fellowship, discussion, reflection, and prayer around God’s word. We are done by 7:30 to allow for travel to work. Please join us on Wednesday, August 6th, at 6:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

The Emergency Shelter for Abused and Neglected Children (CCFI) needs flip flops—all sizes from small to large.  Children often come to the shelter with no shoes, and these would help fill the need.

The shelter is always in need of individually packaged snacks, flavored drink mixes, baby formula and juice boxes.  Small luggage is also a constant necessity.  No child should have to carry their belongings in a plastic garbage bag.

All the men of First Christian are invited to another CMF Planning Meeting on Thursday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. At this meeting, we will continue our conversations about ways to enhance and expand the ministry of CMF. We also hope to make some definite plans for programming that begins in the fall. If you are a regular participant or haven’t been a part of CMF we would welcome your ideas about what can make CMF meaningful for all the men of First Christian.   When you know that you will be able to attend, please call the church office and reserve a spot, so we can make plans for the meal.

We are going to the Sam Noble Museum to see “Super Croc” and the new exhibit.  We will have lunch at the Red Bud Café.

We are off and running on another exciting adventure!  This will be one for the record books!  Moses has led the people out of Egypt and they have been promised a land by God!  But where is this land?  How long will it take to get there?  What will be there when they arrive?  Lucky for us we have a guide through this story!  Moses sister, Miriam is with us to help guide us through this desert into the Promised Land with the people of God!    Be sure to come back and see what all this sand is really all about!