Looking Ahead
Summers were longer in days gone by. School did not start back in mid-August and that was likely due to having no air conditioning. Yes, it was hot, but we found ways to not just endure the heat but to even play and have a bit of fun. There were swimming places like Gregory’s Lake, the Panic Pond (built by the WPA during the depression), and Willow Springs. Perhaps the highlight of summer fun was the pick up ball games we played out in a broom straw field that we mowed down with half a dozen lawnmowers.
Frankly, the cares of school were conveniently placed out of our minds (along with a great deal of learning). However, the knell would toll when you saw Blue Horse notebook paper in the markets and drugstores. One then knew that summers were not endless and soon we would be back in the classroom.
Something akin to a miracle then occurred; the first day of school was filled with seeing friends and meeting new ones. A reluctant start became exciting and new, and finally we got into the pattern of learning and engaging new material and challenges.
Here at Good Shepherd the summer has not been a quiet one for clergy and staff. However, we have really worked hard at preparing for a new start of the church year. By August 18, we kick off with a return to four Sunday services and a full program of formation for children, youth, and adults. The engagement of all three of these groups with faith and social issues, Bible study, and interaction with one another offers limitless possibilities for new growth in one’s spiritual evolution.
Growing up Southern Baptist, I never experienced a break in the learning cycle. Sunday School for everyone went on each Sunday all year long. I was both taught the scriptures and also socialized in those Sunday experiences. They were valuable beyond measure.
Our main task at Good Shepherd is to come to know Jesus on a deep and personal level. It is the goal of all your clergy and staff to make that not just a possibility but a priority. I ask all parents to give their children the gift of being able to draw closer to Jesus and to also make that a goal in their own lives as well. Do not be a drop-off parent, but rather show your children that you too long to grow and mature in your faith along with them.
In essence, we do talk a lot about Jesus here at COGS. Please, be certain you know Him too and can speak the language of the Christian faith.
See you in Church on Sunday,
Frankly, the cares of school were conveniently placed out of our minds (along with a great deal of learning). However, the knell would toll when you saw Blue Horse notebook paper in the markets and drugstores. One then knew that summers were not endless and soon we would be back in the classroom.Something akin to a miracle then occurred; the first day of school was filled with seeing friends and meeting new ones. A reluctant start became exciting and new, and finally we got into the pattern of learning and engaging new material and challenges.
Here at Good Shepherd the summer has not been a quiet one for clergy and staff. However, we have really worked hard at preparing for a new start of the church year. By August 18, we kick off with a return to four Sunday services and a full program of formation for children, youth, and adults. The engagement of all three of these groups with faith and social issues, Bible study, and interaction with one another offers limitless possibilities for new growth in one’s spiritual evolution.
Growing up Southern Baptist, I never experienced a break in the learning cycle. Sunday School for everyone went on each Sunday all year long. I was both taught the scriptures and also socialized in those Sunday experiences. They were valuable beyond measure.
Our main task at Good Shepherd is to come to know Jesus on a deep and personal level. It is the goal of all your clergy and staff to make that not just a possibility but a priority. I ask all parents to give their children the gift of being able to draw closer to Jesus and to also make that a goal in their own lives as well. Do not be a drop-off parent, but rather show your children that you too long to grow and mature in your faith along with them.
In essence, we do talk a lot about Jesus here at COGS. Please, be certain you know Him too and can speak the language of the Christian faith.
See you in Church on Sunday,
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