Happy September everyone,
School is back in full swing. Summer vacations are done. I turn a year older this month
and feel every bit of it! Football season is back, and the church rolls on.
Some months ago, we began sharing a “Summary of Actions” from the session with you all (hardcopies only, I believe). We distributed it quarterly. This document simply shared the decisions that were made in session meetings and some pertinent items that were being discussed. Unless otherwise noted, session meetings are open to the public. You can also attend a session meeting, but you are not allowed to speak during the meeting. But for those of us who’d rather not attend, it is important that you still have access to decisions made by the session. In the Presbyterian church, the session will make 90%-95% of the decisions for the church. This is standard and not likely to ever change. This is why electing session classes under the Lord’s direction is always crucial. But it is still important that you know what your session is doing. Beginning this month, you will find the Summary of Actions for the session in one of our weekly e-blasts. If you miss it, it’s still accessible through our website and social media. I’m so excited to get back to leading Bible studies. This month we begin the study of Daniel. I’m setting aside twelve weeks for this study, and I’m sure we’ll take a week off at some point. It’s an amazing book and we will spend time discussing why it was written and to whom directly. Save your Tuesday evenings or Wednesday afternoons. We began Tuesday, September 7th at 6pm. All Tuesday studies will be in-person and via Zoom. Each e-blast will have the direct link with a study handout. All Wednesday studies will be at 12pm and in-person only. Those coming in-person will need to wear a mask.
September also brings a sermon series called “Conversations”. Each Sunday we will
look at a particular conversation between biblical persons. The intent is to see how these
conversations changed the lives of those who had the conversations, those who witnessed the conversations, and all of us too.
An apology from me is in order as well. I have not been able to make the visits and calls on many of you that I should have made. It’s unfortunate, but these last few months have been very hard for me. My Mama was a great sense of joy in my life and it has been rough. Before my vacation, I was able to get a much better hold on what I’ve been experiencing mentally and emotionally. And I can say that things are much better for me now. Although there is still pain, I’m managing much better. During this time, however, I did struggle with many personal encounters/interactions that emotionally challenged me. Again, I am sorry if I neglected any of you during that time.
As I mentioned, I have birthday this month. But in our family, THE September birthday is Jonathan’s. September 10, 2001, we were blessed with an amazing son. Please note the date, because the next morning our world and the world was flipped over. What I remember most about 9-11 is the hospital chaplain who came to visit us and see Jonathan. As she held him, she said “these (babies) give me hope on days like today.” My son and his generation are among the strongest we’ll ever see. Forged in tragedy, compounded by war, and then COVID-19. They may just be the strongest among us. For through all of this, they see the need to stand up for what’s right and swiftly condemn the ills and wrongs in our world that our leaders create or perpetuate. Happy Birthday son, and keep leading!
May the Peace of Christ be with you,
Perryn
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