I’ve seen the future and it’s going to be “Abby Normal.” That line comes from the comedy movie, “Young Frankenstein.” In that movie, Igor (pronounced Eye-Gore), is instructed to get a brain from the laboratory that comes from a famous intellect. Instead, having dropped the correct brain, he grabs the next one available which is labelled “Abnormal.” He then tells Dr. Frankenstein that he took not the correct brain but the brain of “Abby someone.” “Abby who?” “Abby Normal.”
Normal means different things to different people. Culture, age, gender, position, experience all flavor what we see as normal. Your normal may be totally different than mine. And that’s okay. It has felt normal to me to be back in person for worship. Singing in worship, live congregations laughing, smiling, and crying, are all things that feel normal to me. Meetings and classes are returning to in-person and online; the hybrid nature, which is not normal, is of comfort to me.
Summertime is normally the time when we take a look at the fall and Advent in our planning at the church – what are we going to do and when are we going to do it. As we plan for the future, I wanted to share some upcoming news:
- In August, we will be begin a vocal ensemble called “Ah”gust “Ah”nsemble. We will practice together and sing in worship. Talk with Pastor Jim if you are interested. Practice will happen on Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
- Our fellowship time (coffee hour) after worship will begin in September! Stick around after worship and reconnect with long-time friends and/or meet a new friend. Thank you to our kitchen angels!
- Our Ecumenical / Inter-religious retreat will happen September 7-9 in Prescott. Talk with John Durbin if you are interested. Awakening to Racial Injustice is the theme. Sign up in the church office by August 15.
- October 10th brings an organ dedication and recital.
- November has us gearing up for a return to an in-person Thanksgiving meal! Wahoo!
- December will be filled with hope, peace, joy, and love and an in-person Christmas Eve Service.
- All the while our Social Justice Ministry will be active outside of the walls of the church helping prisoners, homeless, children, and environmental issues.
Many more things will be happening, as well. It’s a great time to be the church — whether it feels normal or not. In any-and-all cases, I hope you can laugh with me and join us as we adjust our sails on this “Abby Normal” journey onward.
Shalom, Paul