And So We Begin - with Prayer, Praise, and a Picnic

Dear Friends,Inevitably, summer schedules take us in many directions, and the resumption of school and work schedules in September brings us back to familiar routines. And so it is that I look forward to seeing all of you this Sunday. So much begins again:Children's Formation: Rachel Pfost and Simon Ringrose look forward to greeting our students for the Godly Play and Good News classes. Classes begin at 9:45, but we hope you will come a little earlier to register your children for a new year of faith formation.Blessing of the Backpacks:  All children are invited to bring their school backpacks to church this Sunday. Tom will offer a blessing for them and their owners during the worship service.Children's Choir: Nan Armstrong invites all children age 6 and up to join her for the first Children's Choir rehearsal at 9:15 am upstairs in the Parish Hall.The St. John's Choir: Our choir resumes its ministry tonight, with its first rehearsal at 7:30 pm. Douglas Witte, Choirmaster, invites you to consider joining the choir. Your voice is essential to God's praise.Parish Picnic after the 10 am service: Chefs Steve Spinetto and Jake Sterling will be firing up the grill for hot dogs and hamburgers. If you are able to bring a dish to share, bring a salad or side dish if your last name begins with A-M, and a dessert if your last name begins with N-Z. Even if it is not possible to bring a dish, do plan to attend!Good food, faith, and fellowship all await. I am so eager to see each of you this Sunday, and in all the weeks to come.Faithfully,Tom