Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 

¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our slight, momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, ¹⁸ because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen, for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:1, 16-18)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.

Ironically, early Autumn is often focussed on renewal. As nature outside is winding down, Sunday School is re-starting, school is once again in session, confirmation classes are beginning. Even those of us who are far removed from the academic calendar, catch ourselves in the excitement of a new school year.

There is often a sense of hope and newness that accompanies a new school year. Plans and dreams for the next several months emerge. Nine months of the year fall into almost a sylabus-like order. We see hope in the structures and new beginnings in the schedules. Most students experience some nervousness, but also some excitement when a new school year begins. There is both trepidation and anticipation in taking that next step.

That hope and newness extends into our individual lives and into our expression as a community. Both the fear of the unknown and the hope of what the unknown might bring are present in our communal lives. God is making us new each and every day – as individuals and as a community of believers. God makes each day like the first day of school. We look forward with both excitement and nervousness.

We are now again at a point in our joint venture of taking another step in our journey. The parish has been formed, the call committee has been formed, paperwork is complete and submitted, and we wait with both trepedation and anticipation for the next step in the journey. Like a new school year, we embark on this journey one step at a time. We cannot guantee what tomorrow will bring and there will certainly be surprises along the way.

We can guarantee that the Lord will continue to be present and guide us to do the will of God. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the partnership of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9) God will provide and lead us to ventures yet unknown – and will journey with us each and every step of the way.

The grace and peace of God keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)