It is hard to believe that another school year is about to start. Soon, kids and parents both will be working to get back into this rhythm of life, establishing their routines to help things run as smoothly as possible when it comes to getting ready for and off to school. Teachers will be met, school clothes will be bought, just the right outfit will be laid out for the first day, school supplies will be purchased, and backpacks will be loaded with fresh supplies. It can be an exciting time, full of anticipation, and adventure.
In the book of Nehemiah, we find God’s people working to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem. They know it is going to take a great deal of effort, but they are willing to do what needs to be done. It was not an easy job, not something that any one of them could undertake alone, but together they were able to accomplish their task.
In many ways this is where we find ourselves right now at St. Mark’s. We are facing the task of rebuilding, of doing a new thing in a familiar place. But it is not something that can be done by any one person, nor is it something that only a handful of people can do. It is the kind of job that that will require us all to work together to share the Gospel of Jesus with those we encounter in the neighborhoods surrounding St. Mark’s UMC.
So now, as the summer passes into fall, as the temperatures begin to drop, God beckons us to come, to worship, and to serve. This is a new season, with new opportunities, here at St. Mark’s UMC. I would invite you to join us or re-join us as we begin this adventure together.
Grace & Peace,
Blake
