We had a truly Spirit-filled event last week with our Rally Day “Celebration of Hope!” This Sunday, we return to worship at 8:15 and 10:30. At 8:15, we’re in the sanctuary – and at 10:30, you can worship in the sanctuary, from the parking lot, or join us online. Please spread the word! Prior to both services, we offer our 5-minute Hope Prayer Times to “Be Still & Know that God is God.” This week, we light 4 special candles of HOPE during the pre-worship prayer time: for our military & Afghan refugees; for the people of Haiti; for frontline workers & all affected by COVID; and for all devastated by recent fires & storms. During the pre-worship time, a pastor can also come pray with you in the pew if there is a particular joy or burden on your heart. On Sunday, we are excited to celebrate the ministry of our Child Development Center. We will be inspired by Hope Moments from staff & parents – as well as offer special prayers of blessing for each of our staff and students. Don’t miss this powerful experience! Sunday Faith Formation classes are resuming at 9:30 for children, youth, and adults (in-person or online). There is a special meeting for our Confirmation & Youth Parents after noon. Don’t forget our Backpack Food Ministry Drive, as well as our Disaster Relief bucket, JV Football & Children’s Hospital ministries, and the ongoing special quarter drive for “God’s Work Our Hands” laundromat outreach on Sept. 12. In the midst of life, God clings to us – and still finds ways to shine hope to God’s beloved human family throughout this world that God so loves. I leave you with words from Sunday’s 2nd lesson from the book of James: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…. In fulfillment of God’s own purpose, God gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits for God’s creatures.” I give thanks for all the ways God works in you to be first-fruits of God’s light & hope for our world. Pastor Carl and I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday! Christ’s peace!
