September 2025

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. It makes me hopeful and imaginative as I think about what we’ll do together. Conversations with council, staff and our members about plans for the fall have already begun. 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’m sure many have noticed that throughout the summer we’ve had more kids in worship! We had a great time at Cross of Glory alongside other Wildfire congregations for VBS. As we look towards the fall and back to school, I’m excited to return to the pattern of regular Children’s Sermons during worship (as long as there are at least 3 kids!).

We will be blessing backpacks on Sunday, September 7th alongside the return of Sunday School. Later in that week, on Thursday the 11th at 9:30, the THUMBS Bible Study will also resume.

During September, we will also have New Member Classes. We would love to invite anyone who is interested in becoming a New Member at First to an initial meeting either (choose one) after worship on September 14th or on the 21st (please let me know if a midweek meeting would be helpful).

Last month we shared the big update that throughout the coming year, we will be intentionally exploring a “New Creation” alongside the Faith-Lilac Way (FLW) and Cross of Glory (CoG) congregations. Nothing has been decided, but we are interested in listening intentionally together for the voice of the Holy Spirit to lead us into the future of ministry in our neighborhood and in our broader community.

As a part of our road towards a New Creation, we are putting together a Mission Team that would regularly meet with team members from FLW and CoG. Please talk to me in person or email me at pastorcolin@flcoc.org or churchoffice@flcoc.org with nominations for the team.

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