Dear Friends,

They’re back!  Sorry about the reference to the movie Poltergeist (although it’s a good movie!), but they are back – not ghosts or malevolent spirits but the cicadas.  There are some 190 varieties of the insect just in North America (over 3,300 types worldwide), but these coming are the slumber kings indeed!  For the first time in 17 years the subspecies, Magicicada Septendecim (a.k.a. Brood X), are waking up from the ground and starting their onslaught into some 15 states, including Indiana.  Cicadas have plagued humans and been cited in literature all the way back to Homer’s Iliad (8 B.C.E.) and in art since the Shang Dynasty in China (@1700 B.C.E.).  As they crawl on trees to feed on sap and search for a mate, the loud mating calls will pierce our ears and quiet neighborhoods for a while (up to 100 decibels or more).  The singing by most males is accomplished by flexing their tymbals – or small drum-like organs in their abdomens.  The females respond by flicking their wings. The loudest variety of cicadas live in Africa and Australia and the largest are found in Malaysia at 8 inches or longer!  As of May 9th, they had moved into northern Georgia and Tennessee – and may be here by the time you receive this newsletter – although the cooler weather has slowed their migration along with the hummingbirds.  You can follow their migration and other details at cicadamania.com Many find them an annoying pest, but they’ll do their work, die in a few weeks, and their larva will fall from the tree grooves and leaves in the fall to start the cycle over and slumber for the next generation to be born later. Birds and other predators consider them a special treat. Some cultures have also struck back by eating them deep fried!  I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet.  Why the entomology lesson?  Other than I find it quite fascinating, I believe the insect is a wonderful metaphor for us as people of faith.  We are emerging from a time of “slumber” and isolation from this

pandemic.  Perhaps we have even been “sleeping” or mostly “dormant” for a long time. While the recent census appears to show a continuing decline in religious affiliation in America, people are both hungry for spiritual meaning and for a faith that is active and makes sense in these difficult days.  Our voices must be heard, even if some find it

unwelcome or even annoying.  There is too much at stake.  If we do not rise to work for peace and justice, then our faith and beliefs will be considered increasing irrelevant to people as they struggle through the cycles of their lives.                              

Pastor Bill

Dear Friends,

It is with both sadness and resolve that I informed our leadership that June 30th will be my last day as your Pastor.  Lisa and I have appreciated the support and encouragement we have received but it is clear that Pittsboro Christian Church needs leadership that I cannot provide.  This was not an easy or quick decision but the result of prayer and deliberation over many weeks.  I wish you nothing but the best as you decide on a future course you can support enthusiastically and fully.  We are grateful for the time with you here over these past nine months and will be praying for you as you move forward.

Pastor Bill Wassner

There will be a Congregational meeting following worship on Sunday, June 13th.

The 2021-22 Budget and the slate of officers will be given and a vote will be taken.

Please be in attendance for this important meeting. The new church year will begin July 1.

The Pentecost Offering for 2021 collected $298.00.

Pittsboro Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

209. N. Meridian St.; PO Box 215

Pittsboro IN 46167—317-892-3245

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Church Staff:

Rev. Dr. William J. Wassner

Office: Tuesday and Thursday mornings

Judy Parker, Secretary: Monday through Friday: 9:30 AM-3:00 PM

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Kathy Kern, Musician

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Rev. Donna Herring, Song Leader

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Shirley Boles, Nursery Staff

“Demonstrating the Love of God” 

Sunday Worship – 10:00 AM
(Fellowship time to follow)
Rev. Dr. William J. Wassner, Minister

How to Reach Us
at Pittsboro Christian Church

209 N Meridian St

PO Box 215
Pittsboro, IN 46167
Parking available on the west side of the building off of Meridian Street

across from Pittsboro Elementary School.

(317) 892-3245