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

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Still smiling from Sunday...

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This past Sunday, I was officially installed as Wampum Church's pastor. What an amazing day! This congregation is wonderful and I'm so excited to be "official." Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special, from the people on my installation commission, to the choir for singing a song I love, to the food makers and cupcake bakers and dish washers. You are the best!!

-Pastor Elizabeth

Flat Jesus Update

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Flat Jesus has been busy!! He has traveled to Washington, D.C., Oregon, a ZZ Top concert, t-ball games, pools, movies, hospitals, and many, many other places. We've been posting pictures to Facebook almost every day. One of my favorite stories about Flat Jesus has no photographic evidence.

One of the kids of this congregation took Flat Jesus to the hospital to heal his great grandmother. After rubbing Flat Jesus all over her, he was satisfied with his work. And she got to go home a few days later!

One cool thing about this experience is that people of all ages have been involved. The kids were excited to get a Flat Jesus, but quite a few adults were clamoring for one, too. I've made extra copies more than once. And Flat Jesus has been extremely popular at church events. Everyone has been willing to have their picture taken with him. This little cardstock guy continues to be a great reminder of God's constant presence with us.

His adventures continue! And there actually is a Flat Jesus in the picture of the tree. See if you can find him!

What Makes You Come Alive

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I love this quotation from Howard Thurman. I don't think we take the time to consider the things that make us come alive. One of the things in my life that has given me new life is this congregation. The people here are absolutely amazing. They're creative and caring and welcoming and fun. Last night, I stayed at the church for 45 minutes after my meeting was over just because I was having such a great time talking to people. Can you imagine? Hanging around after a meeting, because people are so much fun to be with?! I finally left because I hadn't made dinner yet. What a blessing it is to be part of this congregation. To be with people who make me want to stay long after the meeting is over because we are talking and laughing and trying out the new speakers for the sanctuary (which make both Gregorian Chant and Dave Matthews Band sound amazing, by the way).

Look for the things in your life that make you come alive. That give you life. And focus your energy on them, because those little things have the power to help you change the world.

-Pastor Elizabeth