In this season of worship – now through Reformation Sunday at the end of October – we’ll be singing lyrics written by former FLC pastor John Arthur, now familiar to Lutherans all over: “Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord – and fill to the brim our cup of blessing …”
The song fits this moment, because in nearby wine regions, the grape harvest is late summer (green and white grapes) and early fall (purple, red). Also, on Sundays we’ll be hearing scripture readings about vineyards. In various ways, the community of God’s people is compared to a vineyard, planted in the world in order to bring forth bountiful fruit: justice, love and forgiveness.
Here at FLC, we’ve talked about a path where each person is valued, we walk and work together, we engage the world around us, and seek to bear fruit in good time, at a slow pace. All this is happening in September and October, which is filled to the brim with blessings:
September 13 is Rally Sunday. At 9am we start our Slow Read of Mark, the shortest and earliest gospel account of Jesus. Get (re)acquainted with the basic story. And stay after worship as we engage with a God’s Work, Our Hands service project. All ages put together kits to show young and vulnerable mothers that they are of value.
Engaging neighbors and work for justice is the focus of a new group, that meets September 25. We’re learning about needs and discerning priorities. Talk to the pastors if you’re interested. Also; extra giving this season will support our Immigrant Accompaniment Fund. Learn more here.
The last Sunday of September (the 27th) a focus will be the liturgy. Worship assistants meet after worship to go over any changes or learn new roles.
Children can come up for messages at worship, some given by lay leaders. After worship, starting in October, we plan to teach kids a few simple songs and do some teaching on the Ten Commandments. All-age events in October include Pizza and Game Night on the 17th, and a Halloween party on the 30th.
Choir will resume singing in September, and on October 15 starts ten weeks of 7pm evening rehearsals, learning a rich variety of music for Reformation Sunday, Advent and Christmas. Please read Jung Jin’s full invitation here.
A time to consider pledges for 2027 begins in mid-October, with short talks around a fitting topic: “follow your path with God.” Your church council is on retreat in early October, planning work related our path as a congregation.
Other opportunities include Thursday bible study on zoom (10am), a dinner at the parsonage for young adults (October 9), and the opportunity to read and discuss a book: Surprised by Joy, where C.S. Lewis gives an account of his journey from atheism to Christian faith.
I hope we can be surprised by joy this fall, with all that God provides! Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather the harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life. Gather the hopes and the dreams of all, unite them with the prayers we offer now. Grace our table with your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
