From the Pastor's Desk

Today, Monday October 4 is the day set aside to remember Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226. But his influence continues yet today as the order of the Franciscans still share the gift of hospitality in a most gracious way, and his love of nature and God's creatures continues to be reflected in events like we had yesterday in "The Blessing of the Animals". Our Fellowship Hall was jam packed with cats, dogs, a beautiful big Macaw and all of their caring owners and friends. And once again, amazingly, all critters were together in a wonderful kind of harmony…no fights, no bloodshed…reminding me of that Scriptural image of the lion laying down with the lamb…the place to which God would one day bring his creation. It was all a "grace place" for that time together. And once again, the owners of some of the more "rambunctuous" critters were amazed at how they all got along. Francis would have been pleased, and I can't help but think that God was smiling on us all. :-)

That same space (our Fellowship Hall) will be a "grace place" again this Wednesday evening as our Wednesday suppers continue. This week there will be an "Oktober-fest" theme with brats, sauerkraut, German chocolat cake, homemade potato salad, applesauce and rumors of accordion music!?! There is no need to sign up. Just show up. If you'd like to volunteer to help set up or serve or cleanup, please call the church office (or reply to this email) and we'll plan on you helping. A jar for an offering is available at the dinner to help cover the cost.

Looking ahead, since it is October, the Youth Group will be having a "Marty Party" (in honor of Martin Luther) on Saturday evening, October 30, the evening before Reformation Day and Confirmation Day for six of our young people. Lots to celebrate!

As we head into the week, may we go with the grace that Francis both experienced and also shared with God's creatures, and, like we heard in worship yesterday, may we be "Mustard Seed" kinds of Christians, both nurturing the seeds of faith that have planted in us and spreading those good seeds of faith into whatever little corner of God's creation we have been placed.

See you in church!

God's work; our hands.

Pastor A.C. 'Jack' Diehl III