Deborah and I are going on vacation. Part of our time will be spent in Kentucky visiting family and friends. While I am looking forward to our time there, I don't know why we are going in August. In fact, I don't know why anyone would want to be in Kentucky in August. It is hotter than about any place imaginable!

As a child I remember working the fields during that time of year. That's the time for getting the hay cut and hauled to the barn. What do I remember about that? Hot, stifling heat; with humidity near saturation and our bodies covered with dust and hay!

Now you may be thinking those were horrible times. You would be wrong! I also remember making the work play; having contests with my brothers, like who could get to the next bale the fastest and who could throw the hay the farthest. For the record, I don't do hay anymore!

But I do enjoy being with family and revisiting some places that have been a part of my life from childhood.

Recalling our past is a good thing. Remembering where we came from; who was important to us and recalling the people, times and places that have shaped our lives gives us roots. Remembering helps us realize we didn't just shoot up from the ground like a mushroom. We came from some place that is still a part of our lives.

On Sunday, August 19, following a shortened worship service, we will remember our history at Central. It will be a sacred time, a fun time and a time when our personal stories will become part of our collectively remembered history. I hope you will be there to tell your story and to hear the stories of others. Our time together on that day will help us to better know who we are, whose we are and what we might yet become.

This much I can pretty well promise you: Our time together will be far, far more enjoyable than the fun time Deborah and I will have going to Kentucky in August!

Grace and Peace,

David