The first piece of good news is that this long, hot, and dry summer is almost over. Please continue your prayers for a cool, wet fall and a moderately cold and even wetter winter. God knows we need the moisture. Times like these remind us all again that the only thing we can do about the weather is complain. 

     As you will notice elsewhere in the newsletter we begin our fall schedule on September 10^th. A special commissioning for our Sunday school teachers will be a part of our 10:30 AM service that day.  The Christian Formation Committee members have worked hard this summer evaluating curriculum, recruiting and training teachers, including a special training session on using the Godly Play materials, and ordering supplies. The curriculum is exceptionally well done and we are excited about our classes.  

     But, no matter how hard Sherri and the Christian Formation folks have worked, no matter how well the Sunday school teachers have been trained, and no matter how many exceptional supplies we have on hand, if the parents and young people do not have a commitment to attend regularly not much will happen.

     Yes, I know it’s hard. There are many valid demands on Sunday mornings these days. All we can do is issue the invitation. But remember this: even if a young person attends every Sunday, they will receive only about 35 hours of Christian Formation instruction between September 10^th and the end of May when we conclude for the year. During that same time period the average young person will have watched over 400 hours of TV. Now, some may argue that TV is more interesting and entertaining, but I would have to say that much of it teaches a message contrary to the Christian faith.

     I believe we must do whatever we can to help our young people in these troubling times. They need a solid grounding in Christian principles and good roots before launching out into the world on their glorious wings. We know how special they are and we hope they know how much they are loved. We have also established a Children’s Playground Fund (set up initially with gifts for this purpose in memory of Sam Martin) and hope to add more to it throughout the year and develop a place for our little ones to play by this time next year. 

     I pray none of you will feel guilty because of what I have said here. That is certainly not the purpose. I simply ask that you pray about renewing your commitment to Christian Formation and making every effort to have your young person here on Sunday morning.

     That having been said, let me also remind all the adults that we will have many interesting topics for the Adult Forums, as well. A new offering for younger adults is being offered and will initially meet in the Parish Hall.  Also, Mary Anne and the choir are doing a wonderful job with our music, but additional voices are welcomed. Choir practice will resume on September 10^th at 9:30 AM.

     I will again be doing a children’s sermon on each third Sunday of the month and our young people will assist in various capacities with those services.  We will have the Laying on of Hands on the first and third Wednesdays of each month as a part of the 12:15 PM service.

     As always, Shirley and I offer special thanks for all the love and support from all of you and we look forward to an exciting year again.

                                                                    Peace,