There was a time when the dog days of August meant that summer was just “heating” up. It meant family vacations — finally! It meant that we had a solid month before classes resumed. It meant all things pertaining to autumn were still far in the distance. Well, not anymore. With the beginning of August, now comes virtually the end of summer. Faculty, staff and students return to school. The “fall” term begins. Store windows are full of plaids and tweeds. Where did summer go? I’m a little nostalgic for the “bookends” of Memorial Day and Labor Day with summer stretching in between.
But since no one has called me to ask for my scheduling approval, I guess I’ll need to get in line and prepare for what’s upcoming. Farewell, summer!
Here are a few upcoming things to note.
Our sanctuary choir is back this week after a well-deserved month off. Now would be a great time to join this valued ministry. It’s my understanding that the biggest requirement for joining the choir is that you have a heart to minister through music.
This Sunday, August 2, as part of our evening service we’ll hear anticipated reports. We’ll meet in Schum Fellowship Hall. The Brown family (Charlie, Amie, Krista, Chase, Jeff, Kate and Philip) will share about life with Wycliffe in Ukarumpa, PNG, these past couple of years and how the Lord is leading for future ministry.
For those who may not know, Charlie and Amie grew up at CPC and are very close, biologically and covenantally, to many here. We’ll also hear about Lewis Reid’s work this summer with Urban Mission teams here in Chattanooga. And a report will be given by CPC’s recent missions team to Noxubee County, Mississippi.
Following the evening service on August 9 there will be an important parent/youth meeting in the fellowship hall. Chris will lay out planned youth events for this coming year. And then beginning on August 16, our middle and senior high youth will begin meeting at 6 PM in the fellowship hall. Their meetings will run concurrently with the evening service in the sanctuary. This schedule is for the school year only. However, there will be several corporate evening meetings throughout the year as well when we’ll all be together.
Mission: Chattanooga continues for a few more weeks, at least in it’s Wednesday evening format. Helpers in a host of service areas are still needed through Wednesday, August 19. Covenant family suppers start again on Wednesday, August 26, followed by a plethora of activities — prayer groups, Bible studies, youth meetings, Covenant Corps.
As our summer comes closer to an end, I hope it has been a refreshing time for you and yours. May this next season, sometimes referred to as the harvest season, bring the Lord’s bountiful blessings.
Pastor Mullinax