When September arrives, it makes me think not only of the new school year for students, but also of a new church year (albeit not liturgically!). Our Block Party last week helped us say goodbye to summer and hello to all the activities resuming at the church. Classes return on Sunday mornings and during the week. Youth group is restarting. Wesley and Cathedral choirs are back in worship. Another season of Super Serve Saturday begins. First Friday Fellowship and so much more are starting up again.
All of these ministries are wonderful in themselves, but they are also opportunities for something even more important: to welcome. Every time you show up, you have the chance to practice radical hospitality: greeting someone you don’t know, sitting next to someone new, or helping a first-timer feel at home. Welcoming others, especially those outside our usual circles, is one of the clearest ways we live as faithful followers of Jesus. It stretches us beyond comfort and reminds us that God’s table is always bigger than we imagine.
This fall, I invite you not only to join in but also to welcome in:
If you’re curious about learning and growing in faith,
consider trying a new class:
• Intentional Partnering (Mondays at 10:00a)
• Understanding You: An Enneagram Journey (Mondays at 7:00p)
• Young Adult Study (Mondays at 7:00p)
• Pastor Todd’s Tuesday morning study (10:00a)
• Disciple Bible Study (Tuesday at 7:00p)
• Seeking God in Everyday Life (Tuesday at 7:00p)
If you’re looking to put faith into action, consider serving with:
• Super Serve Saturday (3rd Saturday of the month)
• First Friday Fellowship (1st Friday of the month)
• First Saturday Community Breakfast at our OTR Campus
And if music is your gift, you’re invited to join:
• Wesley Choir (Wednesday rehearsal for 8:00a service)
• Cathedral Choir (Thursday rehearsal for 9:30a service)
• Praise Team (Tuesday rehearsal for 11:00a service)
• Carillon Bell Choir (Mon rehearsal-select 8:00a and 9:30a services)
• Children’s Choir (Sun rehearsal select- 8:00a and 9:30a services)
• Youth Ensemble (Sunday rehearsal-quarterly services at 9:30a and 11:00a services)
As we begin this new season together, may we not only take part in what excites and fulfills us, but may we also extend Jesus’ radical, wide, and warm welcome to all who walk through our doors. That is when the church truly becomes the church.
Peace,
Pastor Kate