Dear Members & Friends of PLC: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the Firmament proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:2 I trust in you, O Lord,; I say, "You are my God." Psalm 31:14 The Impact of Breaking News It was after lunchtime recess when we came back into our classroom. I was a 3rd grader at University Elementary School, off University Avenue in Blaine, MN. Our teacher, Miss Nelson, was crying. We kids were bewildered. Then, she informed us that President Kennedy had been shot, and it was very serious. For those who are old enough, do you remember the details of your surroundings when you heard that JFK was assassinated? Isn't that one aspect of "impact news," when you remember specific details of the time and place upon hearing of such world changing events? The explosion of the space shuttle Challenger, the attack on the World Trade Center Towers, and perhaps the landing of the lunar module on July 20, 1969 hold such memory power within us. Indeed, others will say, "Let me tell you where I was when I first heard that..." "One of the Greatest Days...?" It's been 40 years since the Apollo 11 space flight that culminated with the forst human visit to the moon. This feat carried momentous economic and political implications. America's space program caught and surpassed the Soviet Union's efforts. It was said that the U.S. won the "space race." Many new technologies were patented and commercialized for the well-being of everyday living. Despite the slog of the war in Viet Nam, there were many who thought that the new dawn had occurred. Ray Bradbury, a prolific science fiction writer and commentator went so far as to say that July 20, 1969 was the greatest day in the history of umankind because for the first time man had been able to "escape the surly bonds of earth." When the moon is full and appears so bright and near I have often gazed at it thinking, "What did it feel like to walk up there?" "How would that kind of experience shape the rest of my life?" Would any astronaut be the same after such an experience? With the forty year anniversity upon us we heard again Neil Armstrong's iconic line as his boots left the first imprints, "That's one small step for (a) man but one giant leap for mankind." Wow, a 500,000 mile voyage of a lifetime, eight days duration, undertaken by Michael Collins, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Neil Armstrong grabbed the world's attention. The triumphant trio who both left a plaque on the moon stating that they "came in peace for all mankind", and a gold ornament in the shape of an olive branch, made an historic journey. One giant leap for mankind, indeed! Does the Metaphor apply" "One Giant Leap for..." is a phrase that I find useful for our faith journey. We step into an unknown future. We have our preferred and ideal hopes and dreams, but we live each day facing a host of uncertainty. Who would have thought the Kim (Rabbit) Riebe would be involved in a potentially fatal machinery accident Saturday afternoon, June 27th. Thanks be to God that Rabbit is home after three weeks of hospitalization. He is working hard with his physical therapy, preparing for his elbow joint replacement sugery. Who would have thought that John Majeski upon going to a medical clinic to have some chest pain checked out, would also be told of a need to go to another hospital setting because a dianostic scan showed something concerning, which later was diagnosed as aform of cancer? Our prayers and support are with John & LeRita and family as John undergoes beginning chemotherapy. Who would have thought that within a week after Darlene Majeski was diagnosed with a challenging form of cancer, she would become a recipient of hospice care within her own home? Our prayers are with Darlene and her family as they provide a constant vigil reflecting their family love and faith in Jesus Christ. It is holy effort that they undertake. Dear Lord, comfort and aid Darlene and her family through these precious days. We could cite many more examples where we illustrate that to face each day is to take a "giant leap of...faith, or love, or trust, or service, or mission, etc. Because we are vulnerable and mortal, it can be overwhelming to face life. We cling to the promises of Christ who defeated the power of Satan, death and the burden of sin. We too take a giant leap of faith. Living out our confirmation day vows means that we each are called to tkae giant leaps of faith. We trust that sins are forgiven. We trust God will provide. We trust that Christ goes to prepare a place for us. We trust that Christ walks with us and even carries when we grow faint. We trust that God's Holy Spirit empowers us to go beyond our own concerns to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. By God's grace we are enabled to live into all the promises of God through Christ Jesus our Lord. Today, as I write this, (July 22nd) some of the "Giant Leaps of Faith" that I want and need to live into would include: I trust God will comfort Marilyn Yock's family as they grieve her death.(Marilyn's funeral worship service was at PLC on July 20th.) I trust that God will bring healing for Bob Johnson who was injured in a motorcycle accident. I trust that through prayer and conversation we impress upon others a constant reminder of the need to make wise decisions and avoid unnecessary risks for again, we are vulnerable and mortal. I trust that the Lord God will provide sufficient rain for our crop and gardens I trust that Phillip Krumwiede and Brad Kley will come home safe from their current deployments to Iraq. I trust that Jacob Krumwiede will come home sake from his army basic training this summer. I trust that the respective communities will comfort the families of the five Minnesotans recently killed in military service. I trust that Rabbit Riebe, John Majeski, Chuck Roepke, Roger Holmquist, and Kenneth Dahlke will have sufficient healing for living the life they desire. I trust that many from our midst who seek jobs and a means to make financial ends meet will endure this present difficult economy, and see an easier time of less worry. I trust that the young "soon-to-be-out-of-their-parents'-homes" will have a safe and successful transition to a new school or work setting. I trust that willing and able individuals will volunteer to help organize the rest of us for a successful fall fund raiser event on Oct. 4th. I trust that those who grieve the death of loved ones such as Ricky Holmquist Jr.'s family etc. will find sustained comfort from others who care for them and cling to the promise of eternal life through the resurrection of Christ. My list is much longer of course. I imagine yours is as well. We ask God to help and guide us as we attempt to keep faith by grace. This can be seen as a "Leap of Faith." It is a precious and crucial need for our lives. And in many ways and times it amounts to a "Giant Leap" for us. Please read in the New Testament 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. Does verse 9 stand out you? Any insight here for leapers?