Let me let you in on a little secret. The sun shines brightly in Seattle. And Cathy and I had a splendid time enjoying it with Isla Grace, I mean our entire family. We were so blessed to have the time to reconnect, renew, and refresh. What a gift it was. I pray that you have had some time this summer to do the same.
With school starting back and fall just around the corner, we are preparing to enter a new season wherein we will see traffic thicken, our schedules grow fuller, and in general our daily lives becoming more complex. Instead of being overwhelmed by all the demands and longer commute times, how might we enter this season with joy and gratitude for all the season holds for us?
Let me let in on another little secret. Gratitude for all we have been blessed with this summer will help us face the challenges of fall. Remember, gratitude changes everything. Remember every season has its own blessings and gifts.
This week and next we will bring closure to our series. "The World is Our Neighborhood". I am thankful for all those who shared their stories of transformation in our times of worship. I know you were blessed and inspired by each of them.
On September 8th, we begin a new series called: Our Story, A Heroic Journey.
For seven weeks we will be looking at the heroic journey that Jesus took and invited us to take as well.
But it's more than just seven weeks of Sunday messages. We have also put together some incredible materials for us to gather around in small groups to learn more about our stories in a way that will help us to see that each of us in on a heroic journey of our own that leads to transformation.
I hope you will consider being a part of a small group. We have tried our best to offer many different times and ways for you to meet. If you can't meet weekly, then I suggest you consider attending the retreat. Here's a short video I put together to help paint the picture of this series more
fully
. You can sign up for a small group or the retreat
here
.
Remember to pray for our Crossover Retreat happening tomorrow through noon on Sunday. This is a passage retreat for families with fifth graders crossing over to Middle School. It's a great way for the students and family to be reminded of God's loving presence in this transition and that they don't have to make it alone.
Don't forget tonight is Food Truck Friday. Wow has this ever been a great offering to the community this summer! Remember that a portion of the proceeds go to our Guatemala mission.
During Linger Longer this Sunday we will have time to connect with one another and also participate in two SERVE opportunities. First, write blessing for the students at Payne Elementary School in DC and write a blessing for Jen Score to take with her to Uganda for the students attending Summer camp there. Our words of blessing mean so much to students, so please take a few moments and write a positive word of hope for these students who live their lives on the margins of life.
I'm looking forward to being with you this Sunday.
See you soon,