Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
~Psalm 19:14
Pastor’s Thoughts:
Did you watch any of the Summer Olympics? We watched many events, and I am still thinking about the grace of the swimmers, the flexibility of the gymnasts, the power of the rowers, the precision of the archers, and the speed of the track athletes and cyclists—to name but a few. I was impressed by the concentration and intensity on their faces as they competed and the joy that shone through—even if they didn’t win a medal.
Are you a football fan? Have you been cheering on a local high school, college, or pro team as Fall begins? Isn’t it fun to catch a sense of joy and excitement?
Athletes have natural talents and abilities, to be sure. But in order to be all that they can be, they must learn the fundamentals of their sport, receive training and ongoing instruction, and listen to their coaches and advisors as they support, encourage, and challenge them. Swimmers must learn the fundamentals of the strokes; gymnasts must become familiar with the basics of the mat, the beam, the rings, and the bars; and rowers must learn how best to handle their oars. Athletes must continually practice and learn throughout their careers. Being an athlete is an ongoing process; it is a process that combines natural gifts and abilities with training and support. Those things, in combination, lead to stronger athletes who are dedicated to what they do and who take joy in doing it.
Have you seen the active faith of the children of God? Have you seen and heard the enthusiasm of teachers, the thoughtfulness and planning of the committees and councils, the melodies of the musicians, the care and conscientiousness of the ushers, the communion assistants, and the lectors? Have you seen the joy on their faces that comes from praising and serving God in ways both large and small? Have you seen and heard … and felt awe for their talents, gifts, and dedication?
Christians have natural gifts and abilities, to be sure. But to be all they can be and be as active in their faith as possible, they must learn the fundamentals of the faith, receive ongoing training and instruction, and listen to others as they support, encourage, and challenge them. All Christians need Bible study to learn the basics of the story of God and God’s people. Those fundamentals shape every kind of ministry. Ushers, communion assistants, and all those who serve in worship must be willing to learn how to best carry out those duties. Musicians practice and rehearse so that they might best use their talents to praise God. And all of the people of God need the support of each other—in worship, in study, in moments of fellowship—in combination with their God-given gifts and abilities so that the work of the kingdom might be done.
Being a Christian is an ongoing process; it is a process that combines the gift of faith with our talents and abilities and ongoing training and support in the basics. Those things lead to stronger disciples who are dedicated to what they do and who find joy in doing it.
How is your Fall “training schedule” looking? Our congregation tries to help with this process in many ways. Join us for worship. Come to Adult Class. Join a Bible Study. Encourage a child. Visit someone. Ask Pastor how to get started reading the Bible. Set aside time each day for conversation with God. Use your talents and gifts for the glory of God … and your joy will show on your face for all to see!
In Christ,
Pastor Brenda
Mediation
by Vicar Dave
I love Fall. The leaves changing color. The crops coming in, especially the apples. Going to the orchard and having some fresh cider is a wonderful treat. For some parents, the kids going back to school is something to love about this time of year as well.
As the weather cools down and Autumn approaches, I’m always reminded of the cycle of life. Life around us seems to be going to sleep. The trees lose their leaves. Other plants and some animals go into hibernation and lots of the birds head south in anticipation of winter. Some people see the plant life, in particular the trees, becoming baren and find it depressing. Or maybe it’s the farmer’s fields, lacking anything green and growing, that sours their mood. But if you look at these things happening as God’s clearing of the slate to start anew in the Spring, it’s really quite exhilarating. Just as God promised Noah and the world new life after the flood, He promises us that life will return to the fields in due season.
God’s promise of new life extends to all of us in all circumstances. God has kept His promise in the defeat of death by Jesus. When Jesus died and then rose from the dead, he opened the gated of God’s kingdom to all of us. When we die, we know that Jesus, by His sacrifice, has purchased for us an eternal life with Him and the Father and the Holy Spirit.
As we watch Summer transition into Fall, lets remember God’s promise of new life and rejoice in His faithfulness to all of His promises.
Saturday September 28!
This week at Grace
September 29 – October 5, 2024
Sunday – Sept 29
8:15 a.m. – Adult Class
9:30 a.m. Worship – traditional
11:30 a.m. – Worship – contemporary
2:00 p.m. – CRC
Monday – Sept 30
7:00 a.m. – Amazing Grace AA Open Discussion
9:30 a.m. – Office Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m. – Deadline for Newsletter printed material
4:00 p.m. – CRC
7:30 p.m. – Women’s W.E.S.T. AA
Tuesday – Oct 1
7:00 a.m. – Amazing Grace AA Open Discussion
10:00 a.m. – Personal Needs Ministry
6:00 p.m. – Property Ministry Team Meeting
7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice
7:00 p.m. – Safe Haven
Wednesday – Oct 2
7:00 a.m. – Amazing Grace AA Open Discussion
4:00 p.m. – CRC
6:00 p.m. – Adult Class
7:00 p.m. – Mid-week service
Thursday – Oct 3
7:00 a.m. – Amazing Grace AA Open discussion
9:00 a.m. – Pickleball advanced beginner to intermediate
9:30 a.m. – Theology Study
4:00 p.m. – CRC
9:00 p.m. – Raising the Bottom AA
9:30 p.m. – Raising the Bottom Steps Meeting
Friday – Oct 4
7:00 a.m. – Amazing Grace AA Open Discussion
11:00 a.m. – AA Women’s 12 Step
4:00 p.m. – CRC
Saturday – Oct 5
7:30 a.m. – AA 12 and 12 Study
7:30 a.m. – Amazing Grace AA Open discussion
8:30 a.m. – Amazing Grace Group
9:00 a.m. – Fall Cleanup at Grace – volunteers needed!
9:00 a.m. – Exercise Class
The Readings for Sunday September 29, 2024
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
Please join us – Sunday Fellowship Time
In Fellowship Hall
September 29 – Mary Schneider and Carol Corbiere
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
~Psalm 118:24
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