Welcome to TLC! 

Does it seem like the summer rushed away? School begins in only a couple weeks from when this newsletter arrives. With school, comes those schedules and frustrations that make life so busy. It seems that even work changes, becomes more busy at the same time, and the life around us? Well, the weather begins to change slightly, birds begin their migration, and in a few more short weeks we’ll see animals collecting for winter.

It feels like there’s a bit of a weight placed on us as the summer concludes. For me, I often try to make summer last fully into September, which is a bit easier with children well out of school age. But, even for our household, we accommodate and change with the rest of the community because our friends and family have children in school, because there are events and plans made for fall, and because even the body begins to awaken to the changing time.

I encourage you, as this change in time comes, to consider the changing Church year, as well. We will enter into a busy time for the congregation – the return of Sunday School, more programs and events centered around worship and serving others, and the need to serve the Church in all ways we can.

There are opportunities all year long, but as we enter into fall, your Pastor, Congregation Administrative Assistant, Treasurer and Finance Committee, and Council, all begin the work of planning and organizing for the events that come with the Church year, with the fiscal year, and with the needs of the people. It takes many hands to keep even a modest-sized congregation functioning well.

A faith challenge I’d like to offer you is this: when you volunteer for an event/baking effort/serving opportunity with the team, the school, work, or some other organization, also volunteer an equal amount of time and gifts to your church. When you buy fundraising items, Girl Scout Cookies, and the like, give an equal amount of offering to your church above your regular tithe. When you collect canned goods, serve at the food bank, or cook for a neighbor, please also give an equal amount of extra provision to your church service programs.

Please take the time to look in the Fellowship Hall, where you will find collection baskets, bulletin boards, and sign-up sheets for all the service needs and ministers that are part of an active and alive congregation. At this busy time of year, your church needs you.

Thank you in Christ for your care and offering,

~Pastor Hahn