During July and August, even in the golden years of Christianity in the USA, active church folk took those months off. Attendance dropped, financial giving dropped, and church meetings and activities (but for at least one Sunday worship service) pretty much stopped.

Church continues to be shaped by our cultural routines and habits even long after the “shaping” event. For instance, we are long past being a farming based culture (all household members needed to work the fields in the summer) yet most schools still close down for the summer.

In our day, the Internet is leaving its mark on churches and we are trying to catch up to the culture as a whole. Just think how Redeemer and Grace are rethinking how to continue on-line worship services.

I say all this because it is not new! This July and August most of our Sunday morning worship texts will be from the New Testament letter to the Ephesians. It is a letter to the entire church about how it lives in the culture. We will reflect on it especially as the congregations look toward their futures.

The Call Committee will buck the summer trend and be working hard; reading and thinking about the congregations. It will, along with most schools, be ready to engage you with fresh thoughts and requests for your reflections in September.

During September you will be encouraged to reflect on what the Call Committee presents to you about the mission and future for Redeemer and Grace.

God will be with us in September! No doubt with lots of energy after a relaxing summer spent hanging with angels, saints and sinners via the Internet all from the comfort of a backyard hammock!

Peace to you all!

Transition Pastor
David Ernat