In Ephesians 3:18-19, Paul expresses his deepest desire for the church: “I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Regardless of what they do, what they face, what they have to decide, what they agree on, what they disagree on, how they are treated by others, or anything else, the Ephesians were still part of the body of Christ, and could count on all the blessings that go with that - the greatest of which was the fullness of the love of God in Christ. This is the case for all of Christ’s church. Because of this, Christians always have hope. God’s love never stops, never goes away, and never fails. All we have to do is accept it, let it grow in us, and let it flow through us.

I know we have a lot going on this Sunday with our Called Church Conference at 4:00 pm, but we do not go through this alone. We have one another, we have the communion of the saints, and we have a Savior in Christ Jesus whose love cannot be kept from us.

Please join me in worship this Sunday morning at 9:00 or 11:05 as we examine the breadth and length and height and depth of God’s love.

Peace,

Pastor Todd

Nursery Care will be provided for any 4-year-olds and younger in Room 107. We will also provide fun Doodle Bags for children who will be sitting with their parent(s) or guardian(s) during the Called Church Conference. For any other Nursery Care related questions on this day, please contact Pastor Emily.

Supplemental Materials:

> Church-Wide Information Event (links to YouTube):

• Link to Part 1: Biblical Foundations on Same-Sex Relationships
• Led by Pastor Todd, this portion reviewed scriptures which speak to same-sex relationships and how differing sides interpret those scriptures.
• Link to Part 2: Church Conference Vote, Process & Procedures
• Led by Jim Telljohann, this portion of the meeting covered the process and procedures of the vote itself. This included a review of the ballot, resolutions, and the process by which the vote will happen.

> The two proposed resolutions and a sample ballot to be used for the vote at our Called Church Conference on Sunday, September 18 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary. (Link to PDF)

> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Strawbridge UMC | LGBTQ+ Marriage and Ordination Discernment Process (Link to PDF) 

Parents and soon to be graduates, we know it feels early to start this conversation, but we want to be sure that we have all of the correct information for our current Senior Class of 2023 so we can share some important dates with you!

Please click >>here<< and select the "Class of '23" tab which takes you to our SUMC 2023 Graduate Recognition Form! Questions? Please contact Kristen Tropeano.

>> Advent Class <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 11:00 am | The Great Hall and via Zoom

The Advent Class (active older adults and anyone interested in reviving their spiritual life) gathers in-person and via Zoom as they study to better understand Scripture. The class will continue Sunday with A Clash of Kingdoms, a new video series by Ray Vander Laan. He leads the study through the Roman Empire in what is now Greece with amazing views of many remaining Roman Structures and discussions of similarities between the Roman Empire and today’s governments -- both centered on control through power. They encourage all who are not ready or able for live Sunday School to join them online via Zoom. Contact Jim Morris for more information and/or Zoom access.

>> Connect Class <<

Sundays | 10:00-10:50 am | Room 151

The Connect Class (parents of tweens, teens, and 20-somethings) is watching Rob Fuquay’s video series called "A New Reformation" where the author introduces us to the life of Martin Luther and two important themes of the Reformation that he sparked: the centrality of Scripture and the power of God’s grace. Through a close look into the life of Martin Luther and the world of sixteenth-century Europe, we will discover what makes Luther’s message revolutionary today --- and how we can embrace Reformation in the church and in our personal lives. Please contact John Swank for more information.

>> Crusaders Class <<

Sundays | 10:00-10:55 am | Room 152

The Crusaders Class is a group of senior women who study the Scriptures in order to apply the teachings of Christ to their daily lives. They are a welcoming and inclusive group and currently use the UMC's "Adult Bible Studies" as a resource to help them on their spiritual journeys. Please contact Maria Vaughan for any further information.

>> Families Finding Faith: A Reconciling Group <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 10:55 am | Room 212

Beginning Sunday, September 11, join the Families Finding Faith in a 5-week study of Adam Hamilton's "Half Truths." In this study, we will search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture. The clichés include:

 1. Everything happens for a reason.

 2. God helps those who help themselves.

 3. God won't give you more than you can handle.

 4. God said it, I believe it, that settles it.

 5. Love the sinner; hate the sin.

All true? Not so fast. They are simple phrases. They sound Christian―like something you might find in the Bible. We've all heard these words. Maybe we've said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. Please contact Mikel Russell-Nelson for more info.

>> New Directions <<

Sundays | 9:45 to 10:45 am | Room 207

The New Directions class (adults of all ages) are currently engaged in an inquisitive study based on Matt Rawle's book, "The Faith of a Mockingbird". Newcomers are always encouraged to join them. For further information, please contact Jim Telljohann.

>> Open Book <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 10:55 am | Room 210

The Open Book Sunday School class is available to adults of all ages. They're currently in a study of the Gospel of James that will conclude at the end of September. Please contact Miranda Hofstad for more details.

>> Seekers/Young Adults <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 10:55 am | Room 209

The Seekers/Young Adults Class (young adults to active older adults) will continue their study based upon James W. Moore's inspiring "Moments that Take Your Breath Away". This Sunday they'll discuss Chapter 7 "The Moments When Faith Overcomes Doubt" Guests are always welcome to join them! Please contact Skip Richardson for any additional information.

We are always so excited about our Kids Sunday School beginning at 10:05 am! Please be sure to check where your kiddo(s) should go!

We will continue using our KidCheck system for Kid Sunday School sign-ins. All Kinders through 4th graders need to be checked-in using this awesome system. All check-in machines are located just outside of Room 109! If you don’t already have a KidCheck account, you can create an account here.

Grandparents Day at Elm Grove was a big success!

Thanks to all who participated. The kids had so much fun!