August 20

Beloved families of Good Shepherd,

Peace be with you!  This Sunday’s appointed Gospel reading from Luke is the story of Jesus healing a woman who suffered from a destructive spirit for eighteen years.  The story describes her as “bent over and quite unable to stand up straight.”  Jesus called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment”.  After Jesus laid his hands on her and healed her, she immediately “stood up straight and began praising God.”

After reading this passage, I sadly realized that the woman was most likely a child or teenager when this destructive spirit began to burden her body and soul.

Unfortunately our children are especially vulnerable to harmful spirits that can erode their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.  Unkind social media posts, academic pressure, school bullying, addictive substances, and cultural violence are some of the destructive forces that keep our children from growing into the full stature of Christ.

Participating in the sacramental life of the church equips parents and children to withstand these destructive forces by grounding their lives in Jesus’ indomitable Way of Love.  St. Julian of Norwich said, “There is a fierce love moving through the universe that holds us fast and will never let us go.”  As we immerse ourselves and our children in the life, prayers, and sacraments of the church, we receive healing and power from Christ to stand confidently as beloved children of God.

We are starting our new program year and there are many ways to engage in the life of the church!  Children are invited to learn the stories and songs of our faith on Sunday mornings during 10 am children’s chapel.  We are excited to offer a new children’s chapel rhythm for the new program year:

1st Sunday of the month:  Godly Play story

2nd Sunday of the month:  “Music Sunday”

3rd Sunday of the month:  “Play” Response of Art or Story

4th Sunday of the month:  Godly Play story

Our Moms’ Ministry group will resume our 2nd and 4th Tuesday meeting times beginning September 9, 8:45-9:45 am.  This fall we’ll hear the stories of the great mothers of our faith!  Come when you can and don’t worry when you can’t!  Child care is available in our church nursery during these meetings.  To join our Moms’ Ministry group, go HERE.

For more information about the many ways to engage in the life of the church this fall, go to our new “Fall Engagement Offerings” brochure HERE.

We hope to see you this Sunday!

Many Blessings,

Patty