Different Direction: September

​Summer is over and fall is upon us. Yet between the hot days of yesterday and the cold nights to come, a spirit of spring lingers in the air.
 
Like the new buds of color that pop out from under the melting snows, there is a certain newness happening that is filling our home with both joy and anticipation, as well as with deep, sleepy yawns and tired, grumpy children.
 
Yes, it is that time of the year again when kids wake up after a long summer recess to begin a new season of life and learning. For the first time in our family's history, Kathleen and I will have a child in elementary, middle, and high school. Now each can spread out their roots without the worry of a sibling stealing their light. 
 
With each new school year brings a bit of anxiety and trepidation. And not just with our kids. I can still taste the salty tears I shed after dropping off Fiona for her first day of preschool. As she now walks herself into her new life at Greenville High School, her mother and I weep tears of sadness and joy.  
 
Then, like now, I lean hard on the strength of God to get me through this experience. The Psalmist writes, “Commit to the way of the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it” (Psalm 37:5). 
 
There is newness in the air at church too. As we welcome back the 11:00 am service, we look forward to see how the new blossoms of summer will continue to flourish and bear good fruit into the years to come.  
 
On September 18th, we will celebrate our annual Come Together Sunday. With the support of the Deacons and Trustees, the Christian Education Board has been hard at work to prepare a full schedule of learning opportunities for all ages. If you’d like to participate or have an idea that would strengthen our faith and fellowship, please do not hesitate to let me know.  All ideas are welcomed and all possibilities are explored.
 
Two years ago our church took a chance by turning in a new and different direction. As I stood before the congregation to candidate as your Sr. Minister, I read from the prophet Isaiah who offered this advice, “Remember the rock from which you were hewn.” I gave the same advice to Fiona, as I did with Colleen, Sean, and Kathleen as they each nervously began a new school year.
 
My message that day was to remind you that we look backwards only to see where we are going. Jesus came into this world to redirect our attention back towards God so we will be focused on what we have been called to do: be kind, love justice, and walk humbly with God at your side (Micah 6:8).
 
It might often seem like climbing a mountain. But just as mountains point towards heaven, so to must be our focus always be. God is our rock. Heaven is our goal.