It's hard to believe that August has arrived already. It seems like only yesterday that summer started. But even as the summer season is winding down and school bells are ringing again, many exciting things are on the horizon at Union.
I am thrilled to announce that our theme for the upcoming 2024-25 church year will be Rooted in Christ! In a world filled with distractions, my deepest hope is that, by deepening our roots in the Lord, we can center our lives and attention on Christ, seeking to make him our everything.
The Bible is full of images of being rooted, and one of my favorites is in Psalm 1. In this passage, a righteous person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water that yields fruit in due season and whose leaf does not wither. This image vividly portrays the nourishment that comes from being deeply rooted in the Lord. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to be swept away by the latest trends, pressure, and debates. But just as a tree finds stability and sustenance from the soil, we need to find our strength and nourishment in Christ each day. I especially love this passage from Colossians 2!
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (Colossians 2:6-7).
As we embark on our exploration of what it means to be Rooted in Christ this year, our August Sermon Series 'All in All' will delve into the concept of loving God with our entire being—heart, soul, mind, and strength. I am particularly eager to see what God has in store for us this month as we come together in worship!
I am also excited that on Sunday, August 4, we will celebrate our Welcome Home Sunday, marking 172 years of ministry as a church! This special day is a time for us to come together as a church family, to welcome old and new friends, and to celebrate our long-standing commitment to serving our community together. Welcome Home Sunday is a great day to invite friends and neighbors to find a warm welcome at Union, even if they have never visited before! Many people have trouble finding an authentic community and a sense of home in today's fragmented world. Please pray that everyone will feel “at home” and experience God’s love and warmth of welcome at Union on August 4. We also look forward to sharing a delicious fellowship meal after worship that day and hope you will bring a covered dish for everyone to enjoy.
Another exciting aspect of worship on August 4 is our annual Blessing of the Backpacks! This event is a beautiful symbol of our commitment to supporting and praying for all students, teachers, and school staff, regardless of their age or role. During worship, we will offer a prayer of blessing for all students (preschool to graduate school), teachers, and school staff. We will also place a blessing tag on each school bag or backpack that morning as a reminder of the many prayers that go with those who learn and serve in our schools. This is a great time to invite students, teachers, and school staff to Union.
Here at the start of a new school year and a new church year, I am filled with anticipation to see all that God will do in and through us as we strive to deepen our roots in Christ! I am excited and I hope you are too!