If any of you haven’t experience a hurricane in Florida, this past weekend was very close to what that is like: a few days of heavy overcast skies and blustery wind, strong rain bands coming through (in fact more rain than some hurricanes!) local flooding (on my way to church Saturday evening I saw Jimmy, our Youth leader, out in his truck rescuing one of several motorists he helped who were stranded in some deep water), a really angry looking surf with lots of erosion, trees cleaned out…everything except the 75 plus mph wind! That was quite a weekend! The good news is that since it was mostly over the weekend, it didn’t really slow down construction much, and with the sun shining this morning, workers are well underway again today.
But in spite of the hurricane like weather, and slightly smaller attendance at worship, understandably so, our healing service and “Blanket Sunday” went very well. It was great to be wrapped together in God’s grace in the middle of it all. And the line from the Isaiah reading, “For you have been a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm…” took on special meaning, as the storm raged outside. It was good to be here.
And it IS good to be here for many reasons. One of which is our Wednesday suppers which have resumed (serving starts at 6pm). On the menu this week is Brats and Kraut (Oktoberfest food!) Following the supper the Lutheran Men in Mission will be meeting at 7pm in the west end of the Fellowship Hall, a women’s Bible study continues in room 4 at 6:30, the Education Team meets in room 5, the Youth Group meets at 6:30 in the Youth Room and the choir and hand bell ringers meet at 7pm in the choir room. Something for everyone!
This coming weekend, Oct. 15-16, around 30 new members will be received into our congregation. This is a wonderful group from babies to retired folks. If you will be here this weekend, be sure to introduce yourself and offer a warm welcome to those becoming a part of our faith community. This is also a time when our winter residents are returning, so each weekend feels a little like a family reunion. Welcome back!
Looking ahead, our annual Health Fair and Bazaar will be happening Saturday November 20. This will also include our Fall Bake Sale! If you have a favorite recipe, plan on pulling it out and bringing some nice baked goods to the Bake Sale.
Also, looking ahead, watch for tickets to soon be available for our December 11th luncheon following our 50th Anniversary Celebration and Building Dedication at our one service that morning at 10am!
Letting our Light shine for 50 years, and counting! See you in church! Pastor Jack Diehl + www.oursaviorelca.com
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