Hello St. Paul’s,
Welcome Home! The children are back at school, the calendar is flying headlong towards Christmas, and even for those of us who left academic calendars behind long ago, September brings a sense of new beginnings. This weekend we will celebrate Homecoming at St. Paul’s, with a special procession and commissioning of lay ministers. St. Paul’s has literally scores of ministries, and I invite you to pick at least one to engage in this fall. On Sunday morning the Great Hall will be filled with tables and displays about many of our ministries. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and sign up for a new way to serve Christ through the church. Appropriately, we will celebrate Baptism at the 10:30 service, giving us all an opportunity to renew our baptismal vows.
We are moving towards a new focus on discipleship and formation this fall. Sunday School starts next week, and our family minister Taylor is eager to recruit more volunteers to help when she teaches the class during the first part of the 10:30 service. Our adult formation programs will start up later in the month, with a monthly sunset meditation, a film study series for newcomers (and others!), and two book studies, one focusing on the life of Jesus, the other on the spiritual challenges facing our contemporary world. In October our annual pledge campaign will launch with an additional element inviting you to pledge your time and talent as well as your treasure. Sunday morning forums will continue to offer a variety of educational topics.
Last week I had the blessing of accompanying my grandson to his first day of preschool. So begins an 18 year educational journey for him. While we may eventually leave formal education behind, our life of faith is a lifelong journey of learning and discernment. I hope that you will take advantage of Homecoming Sunday to renew your journey of Christian formation.
See you on Sunday!
Your sister in Christ,
Penny
