The Living Church—A Treasure!
September means that summer is fading into history. Fall is around the corner. But not to worry, here in California we still have a little bit more warm weather—maybe to the end of October. So get out there and enjoy the extended nice weather.
These last two months, I have talked about Personal piety and Social holiness. Social holiness means that there are a multitude of opportunities in the Fall to harvest. There are also many new possibilities to consider. The pickings, the choices are ours to make as to what to harvest.
There’s lots of activities preparing to gear up as we welcome the Fall season. We are putting our faith into action as we prepare to “entertain angels”—Social holiness!
Social holiness—in our Conference; we welcome our new bishop, Bishop Minerva Carcano, she will shepherd us beginning this month. The Readiness 360 Leadership training continues as the Team will meet with our assigned coach, Rev Mary Elyn Bahlert this month. There are other trainings (SPRC, Church Planters, Lay Servant) on the horizon. Our Conference Superintendent, Rev. Bener Agtarap, will be our Guest speaker for World Communion Sunday next month.
Social holiness—in the District; our District Superintendent, Rev. Staci Current, will lead an SPRC Workshop in October 15th. We’re invited to the Bishop’s Reception, scheduled for Nov. 19 at 2pm at Los Altos UMC if you like to meet her. Lay Servant training is coming soon. Circuit gathering is back as we start planning for Church Conference in early November.
Social holiness—at Alum Rock; our Annual BBQ Dinner Fundraiser is scheduled to be delicious, fun and lively. The Ministry Teams of Pride, Epifany, Readiness 360, and Hispanic/Latino Extension Ministry is poised to engage the opportunities and possibilities that arises. PACT is gearing up for voter-registration, immigration, “Black Lives Matter,” gun-violence and police accountability. Our ClayM is focusing on developing small groups this Fall. Trunk-a-Treat is coming. More later about Thanksgiving Dinner and Santa Toy Shop. And lastly, not be missed is our Animal Blessing Worship on September 25th—bring your furry friends!
Let me conclude with this; As we head into this last third of 2016, I like to extend kudos to Ministry & Mission Teams for your acts of social holiness in the community by your contributions, participations, and especially your sacrifice for our church. The heart of a servant is to give beyond yourself for the benefit of another, without being asked. Celebrating their success and thinking of another’s well-being. Your love is fierce!
To you all—my deep appreciation and gratitude for all of you (you know who you are) that answers the call, step forward and show up big to serve in love in any capacity aside of personal consideration. All of you is the living church—Alum Rock’s treasure to the community for God. You have blessed us with your service…….God Bless You with more Love! Amen!!!