A Weekly Reflection, Sunday, September 3, 2017
By: Bob Hetherington
Next Sunday, September 10, is Kickoff Sunday. We emerge from the lazy days of summer and move into the more patterned ways of fall. Next Sunday we will have two services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and the 10 o’clock hour will focus on Christian education and spiritual formation. If you give us two hours on Sunday morning, we can strengthen and deepen your faith. Your Christian faith can become a greater asset as you face the challenges and opportunities of your lives.
The theme for the program year is “Telling Our Story.” How does the Biblical story of Jesus impact our lives? Can we tell our faith stories to each other and in the process form a stronger faith community here at St. Mary’s? How does the history of St. Mary’s form a strong foundation for building up the church in 2017? Who and where are we meant to serve others?
With the addition of Ryan Tibbetts, our new Director of Music, the St. Mary’s staff team is complete. We are ready to serve you. As this new chapter in the life of St. Mary’s begins, what does God have in store for each of us personally and for the St. Mary’s community?
As the fall kicks off, it is important to share our summer stories. On Wednesday, September 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the New Parish Hall, Weezie and Buck Blanchard will have a chance to share their adventures in Africa. It is important to remember that the mission of the church is global. Brothers and sisters from across the world have much to teach us about being Christian in the face of hardship and challenge. These relationships also shrink the world. Together we want to be the best possible stewards we can be of the planet. We are in this enterprise together. What happens to the world has personal implications for each of us.
The gospel for this Sunday contains these words: “He who saves his life will lose it and he who loses his life for my sake will save it.” The deep meaning is in leaning into life and serving the needs of others.
Who knows where God’s spirit will take us this fall. As we participate in the various ministries of St. Mary’s Church, I believe God’s spirit will teach us a lot. Exciting days lie ahead.