Rector's

Corner

I LOVE the Olympics! While I remember bits and pieces of the 1988 Soul games (Jackie Joyner Kersey’s incredible Heptathlon!), it was the opening ceremonies of the 1992 Barcelona Games, with its incredible torch lighting, which forever cemented my love for the Olympic Games.

But many of my favorite sporting memories aren’t those dominant Gold-medal wins…quite the opposite. My favorite memory is Derek Redmond’s 400M race. Halfway through, he tore his hamstring, yet he was determined to finish the race. In the stands, an unknown man had a run-in with security…it would  turn out to be Derek’s father, who helped carry his son across the finish line.

There was no gold medal awarded for that injured performance, but there remains a special pride in Redmond’s accomplishment. Our New Testament is filled with racing metaphors. More often than not, the focus is not on winning the race, but finishing it. The focus is on endurance not success.

I hope that in the performances of these athletes, we can be reminded of our own spiritual journey. There are no medals, but there is victory…

PARISH LIFE

‘Summer Lite’ Coffee Hour

Signups are still needed! Do you enjoy

those nibbles after the service? You can help by signing up to bring a simple snack. Look for the clipboard in the Parish Hall and choose a Sunday that works for you.

OUTREACH

FOOD BANK WORK DAY

Friday, August 16th, 1-3pm, is our monthly work session at the food bank in Concord. We’ll meet there and sort food for delivery throughout Contra Costa County. To learn how you can help, or if you’d like a ride, please contact Betsy or John Donnelly, 925-639-5602.