A New Year Begins

There are many ways to reckon the beginning of a new year in the church. The liturgical year begins on the First Sunday in Advent, which falls on Sunday, Dec. 3 this year. Our fiscal year begins with Jan. 1. In the United States, the programming year for churches often coincides with the beginning of the aca-demic year. The same is true for us at Calvary, more or less. Our summer season will conclude with Labor Day weekend and a new year will begin with “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday on Sept. 10.

This is the 10th anniversary of the ELCA’s Day of Service, “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. It will be Calvary’s second year in joining Lutherans across the nation serving their neighbors. We will have one worship service that day, be-ginning at 8:15 a.m. We will “pause” the service to begin service projects at 9 a.m. We’ll gather again at 10:30 a.m. for a time of reflection and Holy Commun-ion, wrapping up around 11 a.m. You are invited to attend the whole morning, or as much as you are able. Service projects will be chosen for a variety of skills, interests, ages, and abilities. More information will be available in the weekly edition of The Lantern, which is e-mailed each week and attached to the Sunday bulletin.

We will also change our Sunday morning schedule for Consecration Sunday on Sunday, Sept. 24. We will have one worship service at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by a Celebration Brunch in the Fellowship Hall. You can read more about our Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program in a letter from President Kyle White on the front page of this newsletter.

Because of the Labor Day holiday week and the special schedules on Sept. 10 and 24, we will begin our Christian Education programs for our Sunday School age children, Confirmation Class, and Senior High students on Sunday, Oct. 1. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.

Blessings,
Pastor Tom Pairan

P.S. Be sure to also check out the weekly edition of The Lantern for the most up-to-date information about what is happening at Calvary Lutheran! If you’re not receiving it, let us know and we can add you to our mailing lists!