“Hot enough for ya?” How many times has this been asked over the course of the last few days, or even this whole summer? The extremes of higher-than-average temperatures and the accompanying humidity here in Minnesota combine to make for some pretty big challenges for us and our neighbors.
I’m grateful that the air conditioning in the office wing of the church is finally working great once again, after more than a few summers of enduring the heat and stuffiness of an uncooled office. The same is true at my house, where we had to replace the original A/C unit back in 2020, after being out of commission for most of the summer. I suspect this is why I was particularly sympathetic to the residents of our sacred settlement when the temps started to rise this past spring.
It quickly became clear that we would need to rethink how the two tiny homes were (or were not) designed to handle warm summer days. We added screen doors and offered fans as first, but that just wasn’t enough. Fortunately, with the continued generosity from supporters we were able to commit to upgrading the homes and made plans to install “mini-splits” or integrated heated and cooling units. But, as with many things mechanical, getting them installed took quite some time.
I’m pleased to report that just this past week, the final installations were completed, and the tiny homes are now being supplied with refrigerated air, just in time for the latest heat wave. Our partners at Settled are also retrofitting all of their existing and new inventory of tiny homes to include these new air-handling units so that future residents will experience a truly improved living environment, winter & summer. As we accomplish all of this, we remain mindful of the thousands of unhoused in our midst who will struggle with these continuing high temps.
Let’s give thanks on this day for all who have labored to make the world healthier and more livable through the improvements of air-conditioning technology. And let’s be mindful of those who may not be so fortunate to have access to reliably comfortable living spaces. A blessed Labor Day holiday for all this day.
May you find God’s peace this day. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Lord, in your wisdom, keep us cool. For those who are lucky to remain in air-conditioned comfort, don’t let us lose one shred of compassion for the homeless on the street, the farmers in the field, the police officers on the beat, and any worker still laboring in the sun. We are all your children in the shade of your hand. Amen.