Summer and vacation time seem to go hand-in-hand for most of us.
For the next several weeks, I will be on vacation with my family. This is a time to regain a balance in life … to discover once again the joy of being spouse, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Joan and I will be spending some time on Cape Cod and Williamsburg, VA where we will simply enjoy the company of our daughter, Kathleen, our son-in-law, Chris, our grandchildren, Andrew (18) and Caroline (13), and our son, Michael. As we experience the gift of God’s wonder-filled creation, I will remember you as I pray the Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer) while walking Nauset Light Beach at dawn. I will also pray that I will be allotted a few fish as I surf cast among the seals and sharks!! And I will thank the Lord for the gift of all the good people in our faith community at Christ Our Light.
Whether you are going away, staying close to home or just reading a good book this summer, we would enjoy your sharing something about your summer that stands out for you.
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Going about our business as disciples, lets not forget our
“Come … pray with us” cards
This simple invitation is written in the languages of some of our parishioners: English, Spanish, Filipino, German, Maylaylam, Italian, and Chinese.
Here are some thoughts to keep in mind:
- Take a handful every weekend and come back the next week needing more. That means you’ve handed them all out!
- Keep them handy … in your pocket, purse, or wallet. You know the best place for you.
- With a smile and a kind voice, simply offer a card to anyone whom you encounter … family, friends, co-workers, clerks in stores and medical offices. You’ll be surprised at their grateful response.
Please give us your feedback on your experiences. It’s the only way we can learn. How did individuals react? What are the stories you may have heard? How did you feel inviting others to experience the person of Jesus Christ? Just send me an email (deacondickcol@gmail.com), let me know in person or comment below.
Comments
Bill Mielke
I took seven cards and promptly misplaced them. When I found them I would forget to take them with me when I went to run errands. When I did take them I would forget they were in my pocket. I thought, "I'm never going to get these things out." Then on Wednesday April 3rd I made a determined effort to pass them out that day. As I ran my errands I gave them to my friends at the Red Cross, the guy who helped me at Staples, the super market, neighbors, and else where. When I handed out the card I told them that our church was conducting an evangelization effort and I invited them to join us. I said if you were looking for a place to worship at a very welcoming, loving community this was the place to be. Every person I gave the cards to thanked me and one fellow even stuck out his hand to introduced himself to me.
Laurie
I was sitting with a parishioner, a volunteer, who mentioned that she had tried to hand out our "Come...pray with us" card to a couple different people and was told no thank you. Disappointing but we should continue to plant our seeds.
Laurie
I placed a card on the top of a bank deposit. The teller took a look at it and asked if it was a business card. I showed her what it said and that it was in different languages, inviting her and others to "Come...pray with us". She said "Cool". And another seed planted...
Beth
I gave a friend a card. I pointed to Spanish line and she said muchas gracias (thank you very much) and I said and pointed the English Come...pray with us, and she replied muy bien (very good) both of which we understand; her face said everything what a smile.
Bonnie Fagan
Handed one to women in grocery store, she smiled and said, "Thank You". A seed planted!