August 17 is Blessing Sunday, and we hope you will join us as we regather after summer and recommit ourselves to God and the life of the church. It will be a day of celebration marking the beginning of a new school year, a new church season and a new opportunity to live into our calling as a people invited by God.
We will offer blessings for children, educators and school staff as they prepare for the year ahead. Bibles will also be presented to our third and sixth graders. Together, we will bless the beginning of our fall programming, offering it all to God. As Frederick Buechner once wrote, “In the biblical sense, if you give me your blessing, you irreversibly convey into my life not just something of the beneficial power and vitality of who you are, but something also of the life-giving power of God, in whose name the blessing is given.” Christian blessing is not about material gain, but about the sacred transmission of divine love, affirmation and presence. Blessing Sunday reminds us that we do not walk alone—we walk with God and one another.
Theme for the Year: Invited—God Reached Out, So Do We!
On August 17, we will also launch our churchwide theme for the year: Invited: God Reached Out—So Do We! Rooted in Romans 15:7, “So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!” Our theme calls us to live as people invited by God into relationship, service, joy and wonder. It reminds us that we are not only recipients of God’s invitation but also bearers of it. We are called to reach out in love and hospitality, welcoming others into the life and mission of our church.
Small Groups Fair
To help you connect more deeply with the life of our church, we will also be hosting a Small Groups Fair before and after worship on Blessing Sunday. Whether you’re looking for a Sunday School class, a place to volunteer, or a group to grow in faith with, this is a great chance to explore what’s available and find your place of belonging.
Reception in Honor of Laura Ritter
After worship, we will gather for a cookie and lemonade reception honoring our new Minister of Music, Laura Ritter. Come meet Laura and help us welcome her into the First Baptist family!
There’s so much to celebrate and so many ways to be involved. We hope you will make a special effort to be part of Blessing Sunday. Let us begin this season with open hearts, grateful spirits, and a renewed sense of commitment as we live into God’s invitation together.
—Carol