As we head towards Fall, what’s going to keep us strong? What’s going to be important to us?
We may feel overwhelmed by all we’ve got on our schedules, or just by each week’s world news: “now what?!” We may feel at odds with our political leaders; at odds with the cultural values of our day: self-centered ambition? Lack of compassion? Do we also feel at odds with other Christians? We are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. But where “evangelical” once meant for us “liberated by good news,” it’s now associated with a whole different posture and set of beliefs.
So what do we believe? What visions, convictions, values and practices do we want to see handed down to the next generation? My parents pass down their love of music-making and book-learning; their sense of humor, curiosity and openness about people who are different from us. They pass down fragile porcelain cups that need to be safely stowed in a china cabinet; they show us their favorite mountain vistas and waterfalls. The faith we pass down is more like the vista than the cup; not something fragile to preserve from the world, but a source of life that preserves us.
At worship on Rally Day – September 7 – we’ll pray the “entrance” to the psalms, Psalm 1. It’s about faith as a source of life, when we meditate on God’s word. It says those who delight in God’s torah (teachings) are like trees planted by streams of flowing water. In God’s word and living presence, we’re rooted, nourished, fruitful and strong. Most of the psalms we’ll pray at worship on Sundays this Fall are about finding strong roots in God.
So what are we doing this Fall?
We’re exploring our roots, seeking the source of life. It’s a Lutheran tradition to always be beginning, going back to basics. In a variety of ways we’ll be asking: what’s our faith about and why is it important to us? What convictions, visions, values and practices do we want to see passed down to the next generations? Here’s a few ways will do this:
We rally for Fall church programs on September 7. Festivities include a special lunch and service project for new mothers in the Latinx community.
Come at 9am on Sundays to read John’s Gospel. Learn who Jesus is, how he calls us to faith, and – a special theme in John – how he gives life. Details here.
On Sunday, September 21 – learn about our pattern of worship. This will be a special “teaching liturgy,” where the presider and bulletin explain our order of worship. Afterwards, stay to learn about worship assistant roles such as reader or cantor. Consider trying a new role this year.
Sundays, September 28-October 19 after worship, “Handing on the Faith.” A few brief, special learning activities for kids and parents. Details coming soon.
A Summary of the Whole Christian Life: Preaching series with conversation opportunities, October 12 through November 2 on Martin Luther’s book “The Freedom of a Christian.” Read more about it here.
Our stewardship theme will be related: “we’re not in this alone,” celebrating our unity in faith. We’ll invite pledges for November 9.
Fall Music Program Kickoff: (shared by Jung Jin, Music Director).
As fall approaches, our choir is preparing for a semester filled with beautiful music! The Pickup Choir meets twice a month on Sunday mornings, with monthly surveys helping us select the best dates, and rehearsals begin at 9:20 a.m. on each designated Sunday (we are scheduled to meet on September 21—please mark your calendars!). If you haven’t had a chance to complete the survey but would like to join the Pickup Choir in September, you are very welcome to participate!
Seasonal Choir rehearsals will run from Oct. 16 to Dec. 18, plus Tue., Dec. 23 (Christmas Eve Dress Rehearsal), to prepare for Reformation Sunday, Advent, and Christmas with a schedule designed to keep rehearsals manageable for those with weekday conflicts while still allowing for focused and efficient preparation.
We will also enjoy Guest Musicians throughout the season, adding variety and richness to our worship (the first in this series is the Lumiét Trio, which will provide a musical offering at the worship service on September 14. This trio consists of active Bay Area musicians playing flute, clarinet, and piano, and they will present works by Debussy, Fauré, Shostakovich, and Saint-Saëns). In addition, Piano Four-Hands with Don will resume this fall as we complete the final three movements of Dvořák’s Legends for Piano Four-Hands, Op. 59, B. 117, bringing the full 10-movement journey to a close this year. Join us and help make this semester vibrant, inspiring, and memorable! – Jung Jin Kim, Music Director
Here’s some of our other Fall plans:
Friday, September 19: 20s-40s Young Adult Dinner with the pastors.
Friday-Sunday, October 3-5: Camping weekend at Memorial Park.
Saturday, October 11, 9am-Noon: a fun all-age work day.
Saturday, October 25, 6pm: Halloween Party.
Friday, November 14, 6-10pm: Game Night.
Sunday, November 16, after worship: “World” ministry area meeting.
Sunday, November 23, after worship: first rehearsal for December 14 Lucia Pageant.
Stay tuned to the newsletter and website for details.
