– The Avowal, Denise Levertov

Beloved of God,

It’s a joy to be back at Peace after a sabbatical chalk-full of rich and diverse experiences and encounters of every kind.  Our August 24th Sabbatical Celebration at Camp Long was a blast, and I’m grateful for the extra effort put in to make the event and the location work.  If you’ve been in worship at Peace the last month you’ve already heard a story or two from our travels.  Expect more. J  New places, people, and experiences have a way of opening our eyes and mind in new ways.

AND NOW… it’s time to TURN THE PAGE.  September, with its inevitable shifts and transitions, is upon us, and there are some significant opportunities for HANDS ON MINISTRY, beginning with Earth/Service Sunday on September 7th.   Special guests, music, and liturgy will mark our worship time, followed by a GOD’S WORK-OUR HANDS project.  It’s the kind of morning that promises to be both inspiring and fun, and we hope you’ll make a point of joining us—and while you’re at it, bring a friend, too!  (You can read more about the event under OUR WORSHIP LIFE below.)  September also marks the return of Sunday morning Christian Education classes @ 9:15am.  Rally Day is set for September 14th.  Food will be served, and all generations are invited.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has invited the congregations of our church into conversation around the question: Who is welcome and invited to receive Holy Communion in ELCA congregations?  Congregations across the church have answered this question differently—as have ecumenical partners—resulting in a variety of practices. Intentional conversation on this important question, as well as others connected to it, is timely.  On September 21, the Sunday Adult class will begin four weeks of study and conversation on this issue using resources made available for that purpose.  I hope that many of you will join us at 9:15am each week as we kick off the Adult Education year.

As I write, it’s the first day of school.  It comes none too late, for kids are usually eager for the routine at this point (not to mention parents) and yet, its arrival always somehow seems to catch us by surprise.  When summer becomes fall, schedules have a way of ramping up and calendars and commitments filling up.  Sports practices are in full swing with homework and other extracurricular activities soon to follow.  Sometimes it feels like all families can do is take a collective deep breath and dive in, hoping that we’ll have the stamina to keep our heads above water as the months unfold.  In the midst of this transition, comes a GIFT and reminder from one of my favorite poets, Denise Levertov (above).  Her poem reminds me that underneath everything, indeed, surrounding everything is a grace which buoys us up.  There is something of Sabbath in her poem.  As if to say, “Set those unwieldy schedules and commitments aside long enough to remember who waits for you beneath it all; to remember that GRACE, all-surrounding, is the wind beneath your wings.” 

One of the foci for our congregation during 2014 has been Sabbath, an intentional time set aside for resting in God and allowing ourselves to breathe.  As our life together becomes richer this month let’s remain tethered to this sacred pattern of stepping away and the invitation to “float into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace.” 

With you on the Way, 

Pastor Erik