This post is not about NFL games returning on Sunday, September 12th (Go, Washington Football Team!). Now, every Sunday should be an exciting day for Christians. It is the day we gather together to worship our Triune God in remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. We sing together; we pray together; we hear from God’s word together; we partake of the Lord’s Table together; we fellowship together. That, in and of itself, is cause for joy and excitement.

But this upcoming Sunday has a little extra kick to it. For 18 months, our time on Sunday mornings has been limited to the worship service due to the pandemic. However, we are restarting some other ministries this Sunday. Let me tell you about them.

Following the worship service, at 11 a.m. we will have Sunday School classes for all ages. Sunday School (or the time formerly known as Foundations) is a time for our young children to grow in their knowledge of the grand story of redemption revealed in the Scriptures. Our middle schoolers will be developing their thinking skills as they discuss the essence of a biblical worldview. In a change from previous years, our high school students will join the adults and we are excited to have them as part of our teaching and discussion time.

For High School/Adult Sunday School, we will spend the first three weeks talking about the church and what it means to be a member of the church. I invite all to attend, even if you are already a member, since you will have the opportunity to hear my heart and take on this important issue. Also, for those who have been visiting, these three weeks will serve as a new members class should you wish to know more about us or to join as members. The first Sunday in October will be a Q&A time with me (more information to come) and the rest of October will be looking at our ministry to youth and our new purpose statement for this vital ministry.

Speaking of youth, Crossroads will also be kicking off on the 12th. This is our weekly meeting for our middle school and high school students. We gather at the church from 4:00-5:30 p.m. for a time of games, fellowship, singing, and study. It is also a time for our young people to get to build relationships with one another so they can encourage one another in their Christian walks. We are still working out some details of exactly what each Sunday will look like but are excited for the opportunity to be together after such a long hiatus. Reminder:  come this Sunday prepared to get wet.  Dress accordingly!

While technically not starting this Sunday, we have a number of Small Group offerings for this Fall. There are Men’s groups, Women’s groups, groups open to all and they meet at different times on different days of the week. You can find information about these groups on the website. Also, there are cards for each group on the Groups@Grace table in the church foyer. This Sunday, a number of our group leaders will be in the foyer between service and Sunday School to answer any questions you may have about their particular group. Let me encourage you to plug into a group as connection and community is vital to our growth in grace.

Please be in prayer for these ministries as they restart. There are always hiccups when we begin activities in the Fall. However, we have been off for an extended period, so there may be more bumps than normal. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I look forward to seeing you for this exciting Sunday in the life of our church.