WOW! Where did the summer go? September already…that means the excitement of the Philadelphia Phillies now gets coupled with the excitement of the Philadelphia Eagles. I’m a big fan of this ‘cross-over’ season…we get the best of the best. (Who doesn’t adore baseball and football?)
It’s the same in church – the ‘cross-over’ season is upon us. Summer is not quite a thing of the past – but like the school year brings the need for early wake-up calls on a Monday through Friday basis and the purchase of tons of number two pencils – so this time of year brings a quickening of the pace at Redeemer. (Not that the pace wasn’t frantic enough during Vacation Bible School – it was beyond frantic – it was thrilling!!!)
We’ve any number of programs getting started – let me give you a heads up…
Christian Education – Sunday school. RALLY DAY is scheduled for September 10, 2006…we’ll have the last of our single 9AM services on that day – give our Sunday school teachers and students a rousing cheer – and perhaps share a treat or two – and give adults and children the chance to spend some time together getting reacquainted after all the summer vacations.
Christian Education – Sunday school. Regular Sunday school classes begin at 9:30 AM on September 17th – the same Sunday that we return to our Sunday schedule of 8:15AM and 11:00 AM services.
Christian Education – Adult forum. Adult classes are back in force on the 17th as well – as Randy and Carole Gettmann lead a six week discussion of “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to get out of the Boat.” We’ll be meeting this year in the Fellowship Hall. The parlor, although quite a lovely spot, got a little crowded. It’s our prayer that soon the Fellowship Hall will be squishie and crowded as well during Adult Forum time. (Rumor has it there will be a coffee pot brewing down there!)
Christian Education – Tuesday Bible Study. Lots of people tell me they are hungry for Bible study. Consequently, we’re starting a forum on the Gospel according to Saint Mark on Tuesday – September, 26th from 7PM to 8PM. It’s going to run most Tuesday evenings from then until December. Want to learn more about Jesus and the Gospel of Mark – join us!!!
Christian Education – Confirmation. Confirmation is one of the most fun aspects of being a pastor…it’s a chance for me to interact with the congregation’s youth…and that’s always a blast. This year our Confirmation classes and our Sunday school classes for 7th and 8th grade will be coordinated so that each enhances the other. If your child is of Confirmation age, please let me know. (That’s seventh and eighth grade at this point.) I’ve got a list of people – but it might not be a complete list…and I don’t want to forget anyone! We’ll be starting soon – and I’ll be sending a letter to parents and students to let you know time and place of our kick off meeting. Watch the mailbox!
This list is getting long…and I haven’t even begun to mention Worship and all it entails – like the contributions of our acolytes, and our Assisting Ministers, our ushers and our Communion Assistants, Aid for Friends and all of our incredible Social Ministry efforts, the times we can reach out to others in our community to witness to the saving grace of our Savior, the Choir and the Bell Choir – those who make an incredibly joyful noise unto the Lord, our Kids’ Night Out programs, our opportunities to get together in fellowship and fun, well…you get the idea. There is something for everyone here at Redeemer. Don’t cheat yourself and miss out on all the challenges and all the fun!!!