Greetings From Pastor Lyn
Dear People,
What is unique about the month of August? Most of us know that August was named to honor the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar (63 B.C.–A.D. 14) but there are many “special” days that provide reason enough for a late summer party. These “minor holidays” include Lammas Day, a pagan holiday but, if you are looking for a reason for a party…here you go. “August 1, traditionally known as Lammas Day, was a festival to mark the annual wheat and corn harvest. Lammas also marked the mid-point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox and was a cross-quarter day.” (Farmer’s Almanac)
You left-handers or “south paws” may appreciate a heads up for your special day. International Left-Handers Day is August 13th! While only about 10% of the human population is left-handed, it is believed that all polar bears are left-handed! You are in good company!
The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs in August making it a wonderful month for star gazing! The Shower usually peaks between August 11 and 13. This year, the Perseids reach their peak just a few days after the new Moon (August 8), which means that the Moon’s usual brightness won’t wash out too many of the “falling stars.
The bounty of the earth begins to burgeon with early harvests of ripened tomatoes, melons, sweet corn on the cob, and zucchini – tons of zucchini! Did you know Aug. 8th is “National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbors’ Porch Day?”
And we’re midway through the Dog Days of Summer (July 3-Aug. 11th). Google that for an interesting article on why. August also marks the restless stirring of parents & school children from the lazy hazy days of summer to visions of classrooms & the smell of chalk (or hybrid versions of that image in today’s world!)
In the church, for the next few weeks, Jesus talks about bread & abundance as he continues to heal & teach bringing us deeper into this season of growing - Pentecost. Just as crops & gardens produce food to feed our physical bodies Jesus continues to nourish our minds & hearts. In the Gospel reading for August 1st Jesus calls himself the “Bread of Life.” Just one of the many things we can glean from chapter six is that we need more than physical bread to produce a healthy body & spirit. Just as we need food to eat and water to drink every day to maintain a healthy body, we need Jesus every day to maintain a healthy soul & spirit. It is important that we invite Jesus to be part of our daily sustenance – not just a morsel we grab now and then. A fresh portion of the Bread of Life is far more filling & satisfying than a bit of stale, rock hard bread that’s been sitting in the back of one’s brain for a while. And while this need is met through several on-going circle Bible studies & a couple of weekly studies at Emanuel as well as Bible & book studies outside of Emanuel with neighbors, friends & other congregations – all, a very good thing - there persists one area needs some consideration. And that is Sunday School…classes for all ages in addition to worship on a Sunday. For as valuable as time alone with God or time with a friendship group are, time spent learning together as a worshiping community is equally as important. It is a large part of how we pass on the faith!
So, let me ask you a question and, if you would please, let me know what you think about the future of Christian education in general? What about Sunday education at Emanuel in particular? What kind of educational classes would you support and attend – any day of the week? What about and intergenerational-type Sunday School class? By support I mean, not only saying “it’s a good idea” but regularly attending and engaging with it? How frequently would you suggest holding a Sunday class? Once a month? Once a week? What time suits you the best? Is there something about the Bible you wish you knew more about? Do you have questions about the Bible or about God that need exploring?
The Council will be holding a working retreat in September to do some planning and visioning around the “future church.” The above is one area we’ll be discussing. I would appreciate feedback over the month of August as I prepare for the retreat.
Finally, brothers & sisters seize every opportunity to enjoy a new reason to enjoy this month! It holds the promise of warm days and cooler nights, abundant crops & fresh starts. In all that, think about bread too. The Bread of Life and the ways in which the I AM will nourish you for the living of these days.
Abundant Blessings,
Pastor Lyn
Summer declines and roses have grown rare,
But cottage crofts are gay with hollyhocks,
And in old garden walks you breathe an air
Fragrant of pinks and August-smelling stocks.
—John Todhunter (1839-1916)
What is unique about the month of August? Most of us know that August was named to honor the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar (63 B.C.–A.D. 14) but there are many “special” days that provide reason enough for a late summer party. These “minor holidays” include Lammas Day, a pagan holiday but, if you are looking for a reason for a party…here you go. “August 1, traditionally known as Lammas Day, was a festival to mark the annual wheat and corn harvest. Lammas also marked the mid-point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox and was a cross-quarter day.” (Farmer’s Almanac)
You left-handers or “south paws” may appreciate a heads up for your special day. International Left-Handers Day is August 13th! While only about 10% of the human population is left-handed, it is believed that all polar bears are left-handed! You are in good company!
The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs in August making it a wonderful month for star gazing! The Shower usually peaks between August 11 and 13. This year, the Perseids reach their peak just a few days after the new Moon (August 8), which means that the Moon’s usual brightness won’t wash out too many of the “falling stars.
The bounty of the earth begins to burgeon with early harvests of ripened tomatoes, melons, sweet corn on the cob, and zucchini – tons of zucchini! Did you know Aug. 8th is “National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbors’ Porch Day?”
And we’re midway through the Dog Days of Summer (July 3-Aug. 11th). Google that for an interesting article on why. August also marks the restless stirring of parents & school children from the lazy hazy days of summer to visions of classrooms & the smell of chalk (or hybrid versions of that image in today’s world!)
In the church, for the next few weeks, Jesus talks about bread & abundance as he continues to heal & teach bringing us deeper into this season of growing - Pentecost. Just as crops & gardens produce food to feed our physical bodies Jesus continues to nourish our minds & hearts. In the Gospel reading for August 1st Jesus calls himself the “Bread of Life.” Just one of the many things we can glean from chapter six is that we need more than physical bread to produce a healthy body & spirit. Just as we need food to eat and water to drink every day to maintain a healthy body, we need Jesus every day to maintain a healthy soul & spirit. It is important that we invite Jesus to be part of our daily sustenance – not just a morsel we grab now and then. A fresh portion of the Bread of Life is far more filling & satisfying than a bit of stale, rock hard bread that’s been sitting in the back of one’s brain for a while. And while this need is met through several on-going circle Bible studies & a couple of weekly studies at Emanuel as well as Bible & book studies outside of Emanuel with neighbors, friends & other congregations – all, a very good thing - there persists one area needs some consideration. And that is Sunday School…classes for all ages in addition to worship on a Sunday. For as valuable as time alone with God or time with a friendship group are, time spent learning together as a worshiping community is equally as important. It is a large part of how we pass on the faith!
So, let me ask you a question and, if you would please, let me know what you think about the future of Christian education in general? What about Sunday education at Emanuel in particular? What kind of educational classes would you support and attend – any day of the week? What about and intergenerational-type Sunday School class? By support I mean, not only saying “it’s a good idea” but regularly attending and engaging with it? How frequently would you suggest holding a Sunday class? Once a month? Once a week? What time suits you the best? Is there something about the Bible you wish you knew more about? Do you have questions about the Bible or about God that need exploring?
The Council will be holding a working retreat in September to do some planning and visioning around the “future church.” The above is one area we’ll be discussing. I would appreciate feedback over the month of August as I prepare for the retreat.
Finally, brothers & sisters seize every opportunity to enjoy a new reason to enjoy this month! It holds the promise of warm days and cooler nights, abundant crops & fresh starts. In all that, think about bread too. The Bread of Life and the ways in which the I AM will nourish you for the living of these days.
Abundant Blessings,
Pastor Lyn
Summer declines and roses have grown rare,
But cottage crofts are gay with hollyhocks,
And in old garden walks you breathe an air
Fragrant of pinks and August-smelling stocks.
—John Todhunter (1839-1916)