There is something about September that always feels like a new beginning. Even when you are long past buying a new box of crayons or wondering who your teacher will be, fall seems to come with an invitation to begin again. And this year, there is a lot beginning at First Church!
Our building is already filling with the wonderful energy that comes when people gather to learn, laugh, ask questions, and grow together. The preschool began this week, so our parking lot is once again buzzing at dop off and pick up. Our youth group kicked off another year with CCMYC on the 30th, there are lots of opportunities for our young people to connect and build community. You can find their calendar at CCMYC.
Beginning this week Children’s Sunday School is happening every week during worship—with a rhythm that helps our kids be part of the whole life of the church. On second and third Sundays, children begin in the sanctuary where they lead the Call to Worship and engage with Children't Time; on first Sundays they begin in Sunday School and come to the Sanctuary for Communion; and on fourth Sundays they begin in Sunday School and then help receive the offering. Fifth Sundays are special all-church worship days, so there is no Sunday School.
Adults certainly aren't being left out! This fall includes Adult Sunday School, Tuesday Bible Study, Sundays with Sarah exploring Caring for the Earth, Mondays with Tom for book study of Laugh Again, Experience Outrageous Joy by Charles R. Swindoll., Tuesdays with Larry reading Rachel Held Evans’ Searching for Sunday, and Thursdays with Melody studying Jesus in Me on zoom. New folks are welcome in all classes and groups.
I love the energy of fall because it reminds me that church is a community in which we keep growing. Whatever your age, there is always something new to learn, someone new to meet, and another way God might be inviting you to grow.
I can't wait to see what God does among us this fall!
Blessings,
Pastor Eilidh
