September 2014 Newsletter
 
A Message from the Pastor
 

 

Dear disciples of Jesus,

 

During the Blessing of the Backpacks in worship on August 17th, one of our youth looked up at me with sad eyes and said, "I don't want to go back to school!" Believe me, I understand that sentiment. I still remember that sinking feeling as a kid when I saw those first "back to school" ads for school supplies, signaling my summer would soon be over.  Truth is, even today I find it hard to make that transition from summer to fall. Whether it's back to school or back to the grindstone, fall is the time to get serious again, to return to our schedules and routines, to move from vacation mode to work mode.

 

Our celebration of Labor Day marks the last hurrah of summer. When it originated in 1882 it was a day to honor the working class-lifting up a vision where all who labor might have good working conditions, fair wages and fulfillment in their jobs. While staying true to those roots, Labor Day can also be an opportunity to give thanks for the work we all do, paid and unpaid. Each one of us has been given unique gifts and skills to be used in fulfilling our vocations as workers, parents, siblings, neighbors, citizens, and more. No calling is higher than any other when we seek to glorify God by living out our faith in daily life.

 

Soon after Labor Day, on Sept. 6th and 7th, we will be joining thousands of ELCA congregations across the country in a dedicated weekend of service, "God's work. Our hands."This huge "labor of love" for the world that God so loves, is a witness to our mission as the church. You may choose from at least four different ways in which I invite and encourage you to serve:
  • Packing boxes of food to be distributed through "Children's Hunger Fund"
  • Safely disposing household hazardous waste in care for God's creation
  • Assembling school and personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief
  • Writing postcards to Congress advocating for children and older Americans
Details and more information are in our weekly Friday e-mails and on our website.

 

While it may be hard to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer, Labor Day propels us into an exciting new season: a time to reinvigorate our mission; to renew our faith; and to give thanks for the wonderful ways God will use our hands and feet to transform lives.

 

Your partner in the Gospel,
Pastor Gretchen
  
*****September Celebrations *****

The Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. The deep blue color is most associated with this stone and was one of the most popular among Christians in earlier biblical times. This mysterious, abyssal depth of blue symbolizes heavenly grace and ancient Persian civilizations thought of the world set in front of a giant sapphire during the night sky.

For more info on birthstones and their meanings, click HERE.
 

Happy Birthday to:                                Happy Anniversary to:
Emily Gaughenbaugh (3rd)              Mr. & Mrs. Thom Salisbury (7th) 
Lisa Baker (4th)                          Mr. & Mrs. Asuncion Sanchez (28th)
Bob Nicol (4th)                             
Bill Reardon (4th)
Cliff Meyer (5th)
Robby Cress (6th)
Eleanore Babchuck (7th)
Darren Woods (8th)
Bob Hammond (11th)
Adam Lueneburg (16th)
Zinnia Cress (17th)
Lori Bauer (20th)
Denis Petitt (26th)
Susan Auer (29th)