Greetings from the Moderator                                                    JUNE 2025

Grace and peace to you!
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As I write this, we just finished our kids’ musical here at Church of the Lakes. Thirty-two children presented “The Bumble BEEatitudes” during our worship service. The children delivered a BEEautiful message, and it is a message that they are trying to live out, as they strive to understand what it means to live our lives as Jesus taught.

As I reflect on all the students that have come through this program, I think about the opportunity God has given me to reach out to these precious children and share the love of Jesus. I also think about the conversations we have had regarding the struggles and joys they have experienced, and how they have seen or felt God working in their lives. What a blessing to share this with them.

This time of year tends to be a bit draining for me. As a mom and an educator, my “year” revolves more around the school year than the actual calendar year. Between the musical, school events, celebrations, and more… I begin feeling tired and drained from the busyness that surrounds me. Then I remember that that busyness is LIFE! A life that God has granted me… and God continues to give me just enough energy to complete the tasks that are part of His plan.

That said, my husband and I have decided that it is time for a vacation… or TWO! While I cherish the busyness, I also know that rest is very important. Olivia touched on this topic earlier this year, and it is soooo crucial to our ministries. Afterall, how can we fill up others if we are empty? When I see you all at the Presbytery Meeting on June 5th, I will have just returned (that morning) from a cruise with my husband, my parents, and my brother… so if I’m even more energetic (or perhaps completely chill), it’s probably because I just spent hours staring at the beautiful shades of blue ocean waters.

As summer approaches, I pray that each of you can find time to rejoice in the work that you have done to glorify God and also find time to rest. So, go in peace, my friends, to love and serve the Lord!

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Commissioned Ruling Elder Nicole Gower