Dear Friends,

Fall is here –at least measured by the school calendar. We have already noticed that the days are getting shorter … school has already begun for some folks, and the rest will begin after Labor Day. If there was a leisurely schedule for the summer, that will be replaced by much more structure for the school year.

The rhythm of the life of the church changes also. Sunday School begins the first Sunday in September – the same day the choir returns and enriches our worship with their voices.

And if that is happening, can the annual Stewardship Drive be far behind? This year we have an ambitious goal: pledging enough to cover our expenses – without counting onrental income from the Educational Building. (Yes, potential tenants have expressed someinterest lately, but at this point we are yet a long way from having anything solid.)

To accomplish this goal, we have decided to do an “Every Member Visitation,”something that we haven’t done in more than a decade. Some of us will be solicited to help do the visiting … ALL of us will be visited. Those who agree to be visitors will be given indepth training and confidence-building. This is not a “high pressure” campaign, but a time to tell our story and to listen … a time of encouragement.

We are aware that these are difficult economic times … but God is good.

I am asking that we all begin to think about what our church means to us, and the various ways we can support and enrich our life and ministry. So, if you are asked, please seriously consider being a Visitor … and when a fellow member calls and asks to come visit, please welcome them … and be open to pledging an amount that makes you feel good.

In the meantime, may we continue to find ways of expressing gratitude for all the ways God has blessed us and is present in our lives. We can do that by using the Fall to get back in the habit of participating regularly in morning worship.

I’ll be looking for you Sunday!