Calvary ​United Methodist 

Church

​Thoughts for the Journey

S’mores! I love s’mores. No matter the time of year, I believe
toasting a marshmallow, wedging it between chocolate and graham
crackers is a little slice of heaven. Aside from the first bite where the
marshmallow and chocolate mix into a stretchy gooey mess combined
with the crunch of graham flavor, I think the most fun is toasting the
marshmallow. On a stick, over a fire or hot grill, that is the place I love
to be. I will roast you as many as you would like for I enjoy the process
of taking that spongy light deliciousness and watching how the fire
transforms it into something even more delicious - a completely new
creation. I know, they can be done in the microwave or fashioned in/
on the stove. That way pales in comparison because the marshmallow
may change consistency but not taste. The taste of toasting changes
the taste and feel in your mouth. It is a beautiful and yummy

transformation. Thinking about the components of s’mores, the shift from regular
to enhanced taste, I began to think about what we want to talk about
in November as we look to planning our time together as a faith
community, and church family. We are going to share each week, what
it means to be a good steward of the earth, the money that is

generously donated, the gifts and graces of individuals, and the prayers that are
lifted up. So why not think in terms of “s’mores”?

S’more prayer.
S’more presence.
S’more gifts.
S’more service.

A bit silly maybe, but I think this might have some merit for our
spiritual lives and living out that spirituality. Through the ingredients
and process of creating edible s’mores, we might have an opportunity
to see our spiritual life in the same way. Each week we will have a few
moments dedicated to the ingredients of faithful participation in God’s
Kin-dom. On Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23rd, we will celebrate
offerings of food, faith, and family culminating in a Potluck

Thanksgiving Dinner together. And...we will have the makings along with our
new grill blazing to make...that’s right, s’mores! In the simple act of
transformation we may all transform just a little.
I realize that it may sound childish to find joy in the simplest
pleasures. Jesus found joy and hope in the little ones that crowded
around him for hugs, smiles, and a chance to sit on his lap. He also
reminds us through the sacred texts about him that we must all come
to the presence in the Kin-dom of God as little children.
Off to find a fire with my stick and ‘mallow! See you at the grill.

Pastor Laurie