Hello, Friends! 
     Sunday was a full and fulfilling day for our community, on a number of levels, with a number of definitive signs to guide us on our way this coming year, as we make our choices about how best to serve Christ.
    Our service of worship was a joy and a blessing for all assembled.  Our confirmand had rallied numerous family members and friends to be present with her and affirm her commitment to Christ through dedication to membership in our fellowship of United Methodist pilgrims on the faith journey.
     To a person, they all seemed genuinely delighted with the opportunity to be with us for worship, and to support Emily.  It seems even bright, with-it young people still believe there is value in undertaking old-fashioned, serious commitment to  covenanted relationship with God and members of the human family.  How’s that for a hopeful sign?
     Another indicator of new life  was the presence of eight very young, very lively children in worship.  You should really consider coming up and joining me (or heck, you could bring the “lesson”!) for our children’s time. From where I was standing on Sunday, I could see all kinds of bright, connected, joyful, energetic personhood shining from all those beautiful young faces, as we learned together how to sign motions about the nature of Love.   They promise much, and demand even more of us. How’s that for a helpful sign?
      Then on Sunday evening we deliberated on how best to arrange our finances, and how best to raise the necessary funds to fulfill our responsibilities, and actualize our ministry potential.
      The annual garage sale, a longtime tradition at St. Luke, was a central topic for review.  Lots of opinions were aired, concerns raised, thoughts and dreams offered, as we looked at the event from the standpoints of practicality, productivity, and community service.
     The decision reached was just part of the benefit of the conversation.  Just as valuable, if not more so, was the fact that friends gathered to hear each other, open to new possibilities, and support an ongoing process that can continue to include new points of view.
      We have much for which to give thanks, each and all, in our individual lives, and in our common life as a faith family.
     I look forward to living with you this Sunday, and all our days to come.

Shalom,

Sarah