Here, on Labor Day weekend, we pause to give thanks for all who perform so many daily labors that make life flourish – many of whom go unnoticed each day: factory workers, farm laborers, educators, healthcare workers, first responders, military personnel, restaurant & grocery store workers, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, day laborers, landscape workers, office professionals, social workers, counselors, artists, writers, data-entry, accountants, at-home workers, legal professionals, public servants & the press, at-home workers, non-profit servants, retirement volunteer workers, childcare & senior care workers, the list goes on. We remember those who cannot work due to disability, those who are underemployed or unemployed … not only those who labor here in our nation, but so many who labor in inhumane conditions throughout the world. Amidst our end-of-summer celebrations, may this Labor Day give us time for gratitude, reflective prayer, and renewed purpose in our own lives of daily vocation! We found so much joy last Sunday with our new GIFT Worship Experience for youngest worshippers. How uplifting to see them actively listening for words during the Scriptures & sermon, to witness them carrying wooden crosses in the procession, to hear them making such a joyful noise with instruments on the final hymn. Help spread the word about this exciting form of worship for all children & their families! As we return to fuller worship services, we once again need everyone’s involvement on Sunday morning: acolytes, crucifer, torchbearers, lectors, assisting minister, ushers, welcome table greeters, parking lot greeters, coffee makers, fellowship time snacks, etc. We have another info/training session this Sunday at 9:20 for all who can help in any way. This Sunday, we will celebrate the baptism of Thomas Bales at 10:30 – and at both services, we have a special “SEE HOPE CLEARLY” mini-skit provided by the Worship Team. If you’re out-of-town, be sure to worship via YouTube/Facebook and share the link with others! Our Scriptures speak of choices: choosing the way of life that comes from following the Lord (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1), choosing meaningful sacrifice in order to follow Jesus completely (Luke 14:25-33), choosing to see our relationships through the lens of Christ (Philemon 1-21). We give thanks for all the Spirit-inspired choices you make to share God’s hope with others. This Sunday’s words from the apostle Paul are truly powerful: “I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all – and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ!”
