Remembering and Renewing Hope
Sunday is the 10th anniversary of 9/11/2001. At both 8:45 and 11:00 we will
have worship services to focus on the Christian understanding of those events and the aftermath. We will sing beautiful hymns of faith and hope, we will lift up our prayers, we will tell stories of those who have inspired us through these times. In 2001, we had several special services concerning those events. I invited us to think about the ways in which we would respond. It is a good time to reflect and think about how this experience has
changed us and our outlook on things.
At that time I invited all of us to:
1) read our Bibles like we have never read them before as we examine God’s
ways and wishes for us as His people and as we seek to draw near to God;
2) believe in and practice prayer as a regular part of the rhythms of our lives,
making sure that we pray for those who lead us, those who serve us, those who protect us;
3) get in touch with our need to gather as a community of faith and to make
worship a regular, joyful part of our lives as we recognize God’s mercies and live as a grateful people of faith and hope;
4) recognize that God’s presence is always with us and that our only sure guide and comfort and hope in all times is the presence of Jesus Christ as the Lord of our lives;
I hope you will come to one of these deeply meaningful worship services.
School has begun, our Fall programs are gearing up and we are excited about the extensive opportunities for learning, service, worship, or small group participation that will be available to us this Fall. If somehow you
have failed to find the program that you’ve been looking for or you have simply delayed signing up, please let us hear from you. Give Laurie or me a call and let us know what might be of interest to you or what questions
you might have about spiritual growth/learning opportunities this Fall.
A call to the men of the Church! The UMM’s Annual Retreat at Rock Eagle is September 23-25 – an incredible experience with spirited music, great preaching, fellowship and a very positive time of spiritual enrichment. The deadline for attending is now. Contact Fred Kelly, Gary Gotfredson or the Church office if you are interested or have questions.
Remember also that our Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study begins September 15 at 6:30 am in the Student Center. Hope to see you there!
See you in worship this Sunday.
In His love,
John