During the program year of the church I have very little time (or interest) in watching TV. Since I spend many evenings in meetings and ministry, I don’t get to follow too many shows regularly, so it is far easier and more gratifying to me to pick up a good book or two. However, I was channel surfing last week (mid-August) and found football had started already. Sure, it was only a pre-season game, but it was a sure sign fall is coming. Where did summer go? And where did our congregation go in those hot summer Sundays? I hope you had time to relax (and ‘chill’) with family and friends and are ready to come back to church refreshed for another program year. You’ve been missed!
No matter where you or I may wander- weather it is in search of fun, or recovery from illness, or simply getting out of the ‘habit’ of church, it is easy to drift away from making worship and our praise of God a priority. There is a lot that can get in the way…good and bad. As Jesus knew, ‘we are anxious and troubled about many things.’ Yet he also reminded Martha (and us) that one thing is needed. When we take time to focus on the centrality of God in our lives, everything else seems to fall into place. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you; alleluia, alleluia” wrote the great hymn author, Fannie Crosby. The sermon series for July and August reminded us of ‘the great ends of the church’- who we are called to be, and what we are meant to do together as the body of Christ in the world. September- with its back to school and work and routine, is a good time to make some new resolutions that will put faith and devotion to Christ front and center in our lives again.
There are many opportunities to do so coming up. Look further in this Courier for ideas about how you may be active in our ministry and mission. A great place to start is September 12 which will be our ‘kick off’ Sunday when church school begins again- both at the 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. adult classes, and during worship at 10:15 a.m. for our youth. The sacrament of baptism will be celebrated. As we welcome this newest child into our congregation, it is a great time for us all to remember, and renew, our promises we made in our baptism to serve Christ as part of his body- the church. We will also be having our ‘welcome back’ picnic sponsored by the Member Development ministry team, and displays of our other ministry teams work and service opportunities so everyone can get off the sidelines and into the game- Don’t miss it!
For those who have been visiting with us in past months, we will hold a new members reception at the parsonage (next to the church) on September 19 from 3-5 p.m. where you can visit with me, find out more about our congregation, and hopefully make the decision to join us in membership during worship on September 26.
Even though it’s been years since I was going back to school in September, I still get that feeling of fresh starts and opportunities for a whole new year. I am excited to see what this year will bring- new people, new possibilities, new programs.
Join me as we continue to discover and become COCU together —
A Community of Christians Uniting in Service
Pastor Carol
