Dear Friends,
It’s already time for our children and youth to go back to school! And, college-aged young adults are mostly back to classes from what we hear. Katie Foster is back in the office. Sheila and Brandi are so appreciated for their support during her maternity leave. Wherever did the lazy days of summer go?! It’s not even Labor Day!
Congratulations and “shout outs” to the teachers, administrators, librarians, bus drivers, crossing guards, aides for being ready to receive students with warm welcomes and ways to make learning exciting. Thank you to parents who have “tu-tled” young people over the summer and now entrust them to the care of schools for part of their days. May God add his blessing to their studies, personal development, and the outcomes to make a good school year for all.
And, activity levels are ratcheting up at CUMC, too. More classes are coming or restarting to join those whose study continued over the summer. Thanks to our committed teachers and those they influence for the Lord. And, I’m sure every one of the classes has a place open, waiting for you to join in!
All are welcome at a Meet & Greet on September 15 in the Fellowship Hall for those interested in knowing more about membership at CUMC. Ask recent new members to share their journeys and Pastor Erik will be there for you to ask “any” question (he really said that!). In support of those considering membership and all who want to know more about deepening your relationship with Christ and the church (in the Wesleyan tradition), a six-week study, called A Disciple’s Path, will begin on Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 in the church office for 90 minutes with Pastor Erik and me. We’ll end October 22nd with a communion service to end our study. Y’all come.
There’s a new book about maturing in wisdom for Good Book Club discussion on September 22 and a 5th Sunday Messy Church on September 29th after church. What do you remember as favorites from childhood? Perhaps our meal and conversation will continue the experience of becoming aware of generational differences that we began exploring on Sunday afternoon’s meeting of the Good Book Club discussion of Generations by Prof. Twenge. CUMC has people from all groups (Praise God!) and we heard presentations from the Silent, Boomer, GenX, Millennial, GenZ and Polar generational groups (following the book’s breakdown). Thanks again to all whose efforts resulted in new insights!
Personally, I am grateful for the gifts of doing mission with others in Zimbabwe, and I look forward to sharing from our experiences in worship on September 8th. Your prayers were felt and appreciated by the whole team!
Here we go—walking together—into the Fall and journeying in Christ! Be blessed!
Barb Julian, Lay Leader
