“Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14 NRSV
Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! It’s time to wake up! For nearly three months, teachers, parents,and students have been able to avoid the dreaded sound. They have turned over, pulled the covers tighter, and settled in for a few more Zs. But, here we are at the beginning of a new school year which means everyone is getting back into their “normal rhythm.” I recently came upon a cartoon featuring a man knocking on a door and saying, “It’s time to get up for school.” A voice on the other side protests, “I’m not going anymore!” Surprised, the man states, “You have to go!” In reply, he hears the question, “But why?!” To this, the man responds, “Because you’re a school teacher!”
In Ephesians 5, we read of a wake-up call given by the Apostle Paul to believers in Ephesus (western coast of modern-day Turkey). It’s not the kind encouraging students (or even a teacher) to get moving in the morning. Rather, it’s aimed at jump starting the faith of a Gentile congregation which may have been drawn in by none-too-favorable influences. The chapter opens with Paul charging his audience to be “imitators of Christ” by having the same qualities at work in their lives as were exemplified in Jesus’ own life and ministry. However, as we can attest to, avoiding the pitfalls of life comes with its challenges and, if we are not careful, we can allow ourselves to be lured in by them. Such luring can become like a “lullaby” which eases one off to sleep without even being aware this is happening.We will address this subject and many others when we begin a new weekly Bible study series taken from the book of Ephesians this fall. I would like to invite you to join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 as we share praises, prayer concerns, and delve into the pages of God’s Word. We seek to encourage, affirm, and build each other up in the faith and I believe you will be blessed if you give it an opportunity.
The arrival of September brings with it the official beginning of fall and also our “153th Homecoming Sunday” on September 15. We are excited to have the Reverend Barry Stallings, pastor of the Pleasant Grove OFWB Church, as this year’s guest preacher. It is always a blessed time when we come together to celebrate the rich history and heritage of our congregation. In addition to the traditional covered-dish meal following the service, we will share in Holy Communion and remember the lives of those men and women who went to be with our Lord and Savior during the past year. I hope you will prayerfully consider giving generously toward our General Fund for Homecoming as this year’s goal will be $10,000. Although we are still a few weeks away from the 15th, please begin now inviting others to Sunday school, worship, and our meal on that day. About eighty-six percent of all church goers indicate their participation in a church resulted from the invitation of someone they know (usually a friend). Of course, this invitation is open not only for Homecoming, but also for each and every time we assemble as the people of God.
September is also the time of the year when we resume our regular schedule for a variety of ministries within our church family and community. The“Senior Adventures,” following a break for summer, will pick back up with their monthly gatherings and outings. On Thursday, September 19, they will take a tour of Scott Farms’ sweet potato processing facility and, on November 16, take in the sights of this year’s “Chinese Lantern Festival” in Cary. The latter is a ticketed event ($26.00) and reservations can be made with Dianne Wheeler. On Wednesdays (after Labor Day), we will continue with our “After School Program,”fellowship suppers, and evening youth groups. With the expansion of our Wednesday programs in the past year, we have great need for volunteers to work with our children and youth assisting with homework and the various activities provided each week. Although Christmas may be a few months away, our chancel choir has begun rehearsal for this year’s Christmas cantata. Sally is always looking for and encouraging participation from new members. The ministry provided by our choir is vital to our worship of God and is a blessing anytime its members share their gifts. Please consider giving our choir a chance and join them for a Wednesday night practice at 7:00 in the Music Room.
Toward the middle of September, we will have our registration and evaluation period for this year’s Upward Football ministry. While we have only two seasons of sports under our belt, both have been a blessing for children, youth, and adults alike. If you would be interested in helping with football or cheerleading, please let me or Marci know ASAP.Even if you don’t feel called to coach in some way, I hope you will come out on Saturdays in October and November and be an encouragement to our participants and help us reach those families in our community who are currently unchurched.
Together in Christ,
The Reverend Kelley Smart