“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8)
The days are getting shorter here now. And a lot of the time, we feel like we’re walking in the dark. What’s going to happen next? Will we be able to gather with ones we love for the holidays? Will we all be able to stay healthy? We don’t know all the answers, but we sure want to make a plan. Trusting in God is hard some days, for sure. But that’s who we are, and that’s what we do. Martin Luther paraphrased, “Things must not go according to your understanding, but beyond your understanding.” We trust that God is leading us. That Christ goes before us, and meets us in the places we are called to go. Then we put one foot in front of the other, remembering that we are all loved by God.
Our worship in this season has us back to the beginning: Creation, Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Jacob, and God’s liberating work for Israel through their leader, Moses. I was able to get our microphones working again in the sanctuary, so all can hear. This is also a season of learning together! We’re back in Bible Study, in person and online. We had a good turnout this past week! I hope you’ll join us as Pastor Matt leads through the book of Exodus in the Sundays to come. Sunday school is back in session in Edwin’s Hall and is for kids ages 5-11, every Sunday after worship (10:30-11:30). I’m thankful to have Dana, Patt, Ivy, Kristine, and Jacque to lead these little ones! We had 3 kids this last week, but should average at least 6 per week. Kids under age 5 will be welcome in the family room as needed. They are following along with us in the narrative lectionary. Marissa is back with the youth group as well, with Taylor assisting! Confirmation class has begun as well! We have 3 middle school students, and meet twice per month on Wednesday evenings.
We had a wonderful God’s Work, Our Hands, Sunday on 9/12 with members of our local Beverly Green neighborhood association, Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, and city staff, members of Girl Scout Troop 662, and Satauro Samoan church! While the weather was warm, we were able to get out and paint curbs and hydrants, while assembling nearly 200 hygiene kits for neighbors in need! THANK YOU to all who helped!
All our plans come through by the grace of God. When things change we can adapt, knowing that Christ is with us. We get frustrated, and even upset at times, but we know that God’s love carries through the hard times, and leads us to the places we are needed most. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission in this place!
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
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