August (already!)

​Very warm and humid tidings to you, Beloveds!
As we head into August—with the hubbub of everyone ready for and getting back into the swing of school and routines—I’ve been thinking a lot about the parables from Matthew 13 that we’ve just heard in worship. Jesus told stories about a Sower scattering seed, weeds growing with the wheat, a tiny mustard seed turning into something big, moldy bread, and treasure worth everything. Those images really connected with the people back then because most of them were farmers or lived close to the land. It was their everyday world.
Here in Portsmouth, that’s not most of us. I didn’t grow up on a farm either, and our days look a lot different—filled with traffic, jobs, errands, and making time for what must be done. But here’s the good news: these parables still speak right into our lives today. They show us how God’s Kingdom works in ordinary places like ours.
The main point Jesus is making is that God’s Word is being sown all around us, even when it doesn’t always look impressive at first. Small things—a kind word, a quiet prayer, our time together on Sunday—can grow into something much bigger than we expect. We don’t have to force the growth. We just trust the Sower. And yes, there are weeds mixed in with the good, but the Lord will take care of the harvest in the end. That takes a lot of pressure off, doesn’t it?
We’re seeing this play out right here at St. Andrew. We’re still collecting for Pasta with a Purpose, and our small-change collection is another great example—little bits adding up to make a real difference. These gifts help us serve our neighbors in practical ways, such as the Brain Health seminar on August 13 at the Churchland Library and the hot meals we serve every month on the 4th Monday morning at Oasis. These are just a few of the ways God is using us.
This is what gets me excited as your pastor. We don’t have to do big, flashy things. We simply let God use what we have. So, I want to ask you: How are you involved? What’s your passion? There’s a place for you in this. Maybe it’s helping with one of these ministries, or maybe it’s something new God is stirring in your heart.
This August, pay attention to where the Lord is at work in your everyday life. Trust God with the small stuff. Share the hope you have in Christ. Let’s keep growing together.
May God’s Word take good root in all of us this month, for the sake of our neighbors and God’s glory.
God loves all y’all! – and so do I.+
Pr. Suzanne