Transforming Hope into Action

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV)

If January is a time for making a brand new start, then September is a time for building upon where we already are, but pointed upward.  The new school year takes us into the next grade, third and fourth business quarters are viewed with anticipation, and even the fall colors are a magnificent crescendo to nature’s growth over the year.  September kicks off the fall season when we are busy planning and setting goals with expectation for the coming year.  As might be obvious, Septembers are an exciting time of the year for me.  

This September is no different.  We are already preparing for this year’s Charge Conference taking place on November 29, we are actively discussing and planning Christian education for all ages, and we are looking at ways where we all can strengthen our spiritual formation in worship and mission.  Sounds like a lot, and in some ways it is.  But in many other ways, it is continuing what has always been a part of the church life of our congregation.

September reveals our hope in God’s intended future—for us, our community, and our world—for September is a time when our hope is transformed into our action.  It is because of our hope that we plan and dream and prepare and begin building.  Our hope fuels our efforts and activities toward the good and faithful plans God has for the welfare of God’s people, while also enabling us to face even the most daunting challenges that this world can sometimes place in our paths.  September is that time of the year when our hope becomes manifest in new activity.

See what I mean about September being so exciting?  I look forward to continuing our journey together in Christ.  So let us not let anything hide our excitement … after all, it’s September.  

May God’s blessing be upon you, and shared with all you encounter … Pastor Bob