The church campus in the summer is a magical place. With children and youth on summer break, these ministries are buzzing with energy: camps, mission trips, service projects, Bible studies and day trips to build relationships and friendships. Adult Sunday School classrooms are getting a facelift with new paint. Pastoral work continues unimpeded by warm temperatures (Need for God’s mercy and communal care persists no matter the weather!), and our community engagement assumes fresh expression with community marches, events and service. Church life in the summer is a time of connection and refreshment.
This spirit of connection and refreshment will propel us into a fall full of worship, service and learning as a congregation. Save the date for all our kick off events in August:
Sunday, August 11: Blessing Sunday Worship, 10:30am
We celebrate return to school-year activities by regathering in Sunday School classes and blessing the school year in worship.
Sunday, August 18: Lunch for Visitors and New Members, 11:30am
All newcomers are invited to a free lunch to learn more about FBG and connect with the ministry team.
Sunday, August 18: Block Parties for Children (3pm) and Youth Ministries (5pm)
Afternoon of fun, friendship and one-stop-shop for all those annual forms.
Sunday, August 25: Small Group Open House, 9am
Before and after worship on August 25, walk through displays and tables in the Narthex to connect with Sunday School leaders and sign up for volunteer ministries and other small groups!
Wednesday, August 28: Wednesdays@First Kick Off, 5pm
We will kick off Wednesday night adult activities with a night of music and fun on Wednesday, August 28. Make plans to be there to catch up from the summer and greet new faces! Our first block of Wednesday courses will run for four weeks beginning Wednesday, September 4.
This year, our Wednesday night programming will have a new flow. We’ll meet for 4 weeks in a row, take a week off, meet for another four weeks, take a week off, and repeat! These pauses will maintain a sustainable pace for our volunteers, teachers and families with children and youth without disrupting adult programming. Taking a week to catch our breath in between Wednesday courses reminds us all to prioritize rest and embrace God’s commandment for Sabbath. Church should be a place of restoration, not exhaustion. We celebrate the value our congregation places on sustainable discipleship for all ages (We’re in it for the long haul!) and expect aligning the calendars of age-related programs will catalyze engagement across church life!
Bring your fish tales, vacation reports, new friendships, reflections from service projects, etc. to church this August. We can’t wait to be together again!
—CAMILLE LOOMIS REHNBORG, MINISTER OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION & OUTREACH