Pastor's Pen - September 2008

Dear Friends in Christ,

"We're all ready for September." This is a word that was shared with me just today and there is more truth to it than any of us might admit. On the one hand we might resist it by suggesting that summer has gone by much too quickly and we would like the seasons to be delayed. Yet, on the other hand, almost everyone is ready to return to the more ordered schedules represented by the month of September and the beginning of school and all that it represents. The summer is certainly wonderful with its change in schedule and activities. At the same time it is no longer leisurely. People attempt to get more squeezed into the short summer season than in the rest of the year. Travels, vacations, and reunions are but a few of the things to be accomplished. Many get weary of the running here and there and long for the order of the school year schedule. The routine of worship and Sunday school on a Sunday morning become reassuring as order is restored to life.

In our readiness for September, we need to be careful to overcome the tiredness that summer can bring. Now is the time for renewed commitment in every way to the life of faith and its witness in the world. As always there are many opportunities for people of every age to become more a part of the community of faith as familiar programs start again, such as Sunday school, and new programs of study and growth are considered.

September will once again be a very full month as Rally Sunday on September 14^th marks the beginning of the school year schedule of worship and Sunday school. On Sunday, September 21^st, members and friends of United will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the connection of the physical properties of the predecessor congregations as well as the 41^st anniversary of the merger of Faith and St. John's. Remembering the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the future are all parts of such anniversary celebrations. This is certainly the case for those most closely connected but also for all of God's children to reflect upon the wonder of God's grace and goodness throughout the ages and for the years to come.

If you have been away from the congregations for a short while or for a longer period of time, for whatever reasons, this is a great opportunity to reconnect once again with your community of friends and of faith.