Goodbye, summer; hello, fall!

Labor Day weekend ALREADY?!

I feel like I am just about ready to enjoy the month of August, and it is over with in a few more days. As we gear up for the fall, look for the new things God is doing among us. When days fly by as they have this summer, it’s easy to think that we haven’t had any time to do much. Take a little quiet time and reach back to the end of May and recover the memories of June, July and, soon enough, August. Comb through the months for highlights like moments when you experienced joy. Let your mind and heart recall a few things you learned since June began. Remember the people with whom you have spent time in long stretches or just short bursts. As you recall the days and moments, offer up a word of thanks to God for the richness of life.

In reviewing the days, and reminding yourself of struggles you faced, you could offer thanks that you are here, and still you, while God has continued to be God, strengthening you, upholding you, bringing you through difficulties as well as joyful times. May such recollections help us to slow down as we move into September this Sunday and may part of your Labor Day weekend be spent reflecting and rejoicing in the blessings of the summer.

The scripture readings for this Sunday are Psalm 112 and Luke 14:1-14. The 112th Psalm is the second of two psalms that go together and, in Hebrew, are recorded as acrostics. Psalm 111 offers praise to God for all God’s wonderful works, while this Sunday’s Psalm extols the great blessing of those who revere God. The Gospel of Luke reading is bit of teaching Jesus does as he is invited to the home of a prominent leader of the synagogue, and it focuses on both humility and hospitality. It pairs beautifully with the Psalm as we prepare to approach the table of God for the Lord’s Supper this week.

I hope this writing is helpful in preparing hearts and minds for our worship, so richly blessed by God’s Holy Spirit. I look forward to being with each one of you as we gather to sing, laugh, share stories, move, pray and express thanks to the God of all creation who meets us there and sends us out into the world to proclaim the good news of the Gospel! Remember to pray with and for each other and bring a friend or two to experience the richness of the community of faith called Hope!