Friends, I do not have a full and final answer regarding the trials of this life. Some days are dark and lonely and painful. I do not offer some sage advice for traversing life's bleak moments. But, I would offer an insight that I hope will be helpful to you.

And here it is: Celebrate. Christians do not earn their name and their calling by looking as if they had just taken a sip of vinegar. Our faith is not about appearing unhappy. We believe that the God who visited this earth inhabits our hearts. We believe that God still speaks and His Spirit lives in us to nourish, strengthen, empower, and uplift. So...

Celebrate family events. Baptisms, weddings, graduations, retirements. Summon the troops together and celebrate. Tell familiar stories and laugh. Be merry. Encourage one another. Get together! Time goes by so quickly. Take advantage of "life passage" events and have a good time.

Celebrate with your church family. Some of us may not have family with whom to celebrate. Our Sunday worship and events such as Oktoberfest are opportunities to share with our Christian family. In our Christian family, we share the Spirit of Christ! Rejoice with those who rejoice!

Celebrate personal "victories." A Christian person need not be embarrassed about achievements. Some of us may have received a promotion. Another one of us may mark five years without cancer. Yet another may realize one year of sobriety. Do something to celebrate. Go out to dinner with a friend. Buy yourself a present. Sing a song. Enjoy what has occurred.

God's Word indeed does say to rejoice with those who rejoice. There are many days that carry worry and problems. But let us not skip over the days of good news and glad things. Heaven is often likened to a great banquet, a party, if you will. There will be plenty of rejoicing, for in that setting, there will be no more tears. There are days when God's will IS done on earth as it is in heaven. Rejoice. Celebrate. Remember God's faithfulness.

The Hewbrew songbook was the Psalms. They include a wide array of human emotions, from confession to anguish to calling down wrath on one's enemies! But they are filled with praise and celebration. Celebration was part of the rhythm of their worship and life. Notice some of the spiritual songs sung by African Americans when enslaved here in America. There is crushing hurt. And there is celebration, even if for a better day.

How complete is your personal songbook? Let us rejoice with those who rejoice. Let us celebrate God's faithfulness and goodness. My pastor friend was despairing as he asked what this life is all about. But in years to follow, I have seen him celebrate his family, his ministry, his God, and his life. Celebration of the good things does not make the bad things disappear. But, perhaps, celebrating the good things widens our hearts and expands our spirits. Even this moment, how could you celebrate the hand of God in your life? Will you? Celebration IS part of what this life is all about.

Pastor Brad

The summer is over and the beautiful season of fall is beginning. I love to see all of the changes that fall brings. The leaves are starting to chang and bring many beautiful colors for all of us to enjoy. There are many beautiful things happening here are St. Paul's as well. We had a great rally day "Open House" with a beautiful service and wonderful music! And, we are looking forward to an enjoyable Oktoberfest. Our next important event in our church life is this year's stewardship campaign called "Stewardship is Heart-Work."

The first three Sundays in November have been designated as "Stewardship Sundays." I know what you are thinking...."Oh no, here she goes, asking for money again." Believe it or not, I am not going to ask you that! This year we would like you to think about pledging your time and talents BEFORE pledging your financial amount. Yes, you heard me right; we want your time and talents BEFORE we want your money. Our church is known for the support and fellowship we offer to one another and to our community. And, more importantly, we have missions like the Night Ministry, help for our service men and women, food pantry collections, etc. that we support throughout the year. So, while you consider making a financial pledge (pledges are used by our Budget Committee to plan for next year's expenditures), please take some time to consider what time and talent you can share with St. Paul's.

Finally, the Council would also like to thank all of the members and friends at St. Paul's who do extra things around the church that you might not know about. For instance, Dan Pritchett has helped out with "Building and Grounds" by cleaning out all of our gutters. He also cleared out the area on the side of the church that was over grown with weeds and insects and put down gravel. It looks great! Thanks Dan for all o fyour help.

St. Paul's has many wonderful people who care about our church and about helping people in need. In November, we will have a Stewardship poster for everyone to sign -- share with us what St. Paul's means to you and remember to think about sharing your gifts of time and talent.

See you on Sunday,

Debbie Wisowaty
Council President

Thank you to all the bakers and buyers at our "Open House" Bake Sale. Our sales totaled $25 more than last year!

Thanks to Dan Pritchett for helping out with Building and Grounds (see above).

Congratulations and thanks to Pat Nicholson upon completing the 8 week Food Handler Certification Program at Triton College.