God has done marvelous things.
I too sing praises with a new song!
- Earth and All Stars ELW 731
As the summer comes to an end and the temperature comes down, I’ve been humming the hymn “Earth and All Stars.” I don’t know about you, but I always associate the start of the school year and programs at church with that hymn. I get to reflect on fall ministry experiences from previous years and I feel hopeful and imaginative as I think about what we’ll do together. This summer I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to preach the big Old Testament stories of Elijah in 1st and 2nd Kings. We’ve been checking in with Bible study friends and volunteers for the fall. It has been energizing, maybe even joyful? The sabbath of summer gives way to a refreshing new opportunity to connect and reconnect in worship and the small groups within our larger community that give us life.
I continue to marvel at our “Community Cookout” gatherings - the Bonfire, Brats and Bomb-pops (or Burgers, etc) on each 3rd Wednesday of the summer. Who would have thought that three years in, we would continue to meet new neighbors… every. single. time.
In our council meetings, we have made a long term planning team and we are looking forward to reconnecting with our values and meeting with members. We know that God is using First to do important ministry in our neighborhood and it is time to think creatively about what we have and what we need to continue doing God’s work in the years to come.
In September, in worship, Ben Jeitz, our music director, has our Second Sunday Singers hitting our stride. We’ll take advantage of the opportunity we have when Parish Nurse Debbie is in worship on Sept 8th to have a time of healing during worship. We’ll be blessing backpacks on Sunday, September 15th.
As I look towards September and beyond, I’m hopeful that we’re entering a season of renewal and restoration. With your help, I know we’ll all be able to look around and say together: “God has done marvelous things! I too sing praises with a new song!”
Thanks and peace,
Pr Colin
