Sunday, September 9th

I have always loved Fall. Yes, I’m one of those pumpkin spice people. I love the clothes. I love the sound of leaves crunching under my feet. I love cooler temperatures in the evenings. I love the baked goods associated with this season. I love sales on school supplies. It’s a good time of year.

This year is hard, though. Because in October, it will have been a year since my dad died. I still can’t believe he has been gone that long. Part of me still wants to pick up the phone and give him a call, fully expecting him to be there.  And this year, I don’t want it to be Fall, because it’s marking the anniversary of his death. I would imagine many of you feel the same way, as September will mark a year since Rev. Bill’s death. Maybe you’re asking the same question I am - how can it have been a year already?

Session wanted to do something to mark this anniversary and to celebrate his wonderful legacy here. Doug Ries, a longtime friend of my dad, with amazing woodworking skills, has built a beautiful baptismal font in memory of Rev. Bill. He designed it to hold the silver bowl that has been used for baptisms in the past. It will be dedicated on September 9th.  What a special way to mark this one year anniversary! The font is also a tribute to this church’s future, as we look ahead to the many baptisms for which it will be used.

I hope that you will be able to come on the 9th to be part of this special worship service. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Rally Day breakfast, and worship at 10:30.

-Pastor Elizabeth

The Blessing of the Backpacks

Each year, there are special things that we do to mark the passage of time - birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, traditions. One of the biggest parts of children's lives is their time in school. At the end of the school year, we sent Flat Jesus with them on their summer adventures. And as the summer begins to draw to a close, we will start another tradition: the blessing of the backpacks.

On September 2nd, all of the children will be invited to bring their backpacks (or diaper bags for the littlest ones) to the front of the sanctuary during the children's sermon. We will take that time to talk about how Jesus continues to be with us as we head back to school or our normal activities. We will give each of the kids something special to take with them as a constant reminder of God's presence. And we will pray for our kids and their teachers, their backpacks and lunchboxes, pencils and books, and this new school year. It's another little way for us to be reminded that God is always with us!

- Pastor Elizabeth