To help us all with the challenges we have been going through, and the uncertainty that surrounds us, it may be helpful to bring our thinking back to Jesus’s foundational teaching by exploring a collection of his most memorable parables. You may remember these stories from your youth. Or you may have heard them referenced in common culture. Either way, you will know they have a child like quality to them that seems to reflect the lightness of summer. But don’t be fooled into thinking they are easy teachings, for embedded within them are the foundational tools for building the kingdom of heaven here on earth. And that’s what we are about, is it not? Building the kingdom of heaven here on earth.

As Jesus knew well, we like stories, and we learn well from narrative. So, I hope you enjoy our little wander through the parables this summer. But remember, too, to spend time resting as much as you are able, being outside when you can, or near a window, somewhere you can observe the magnificence of this world that has been gifted to you – leaf by leaf, blade of grass by blade of grass, bird by bird – each a miracle in their own right, as are you. We begin the summer series with the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.