Here at Faith we have our own ways of making fun and celebrating.  These are traditions with a small 't' yet they are important to us.  Labor Day weekend is when the 2nd Annual Faith Lutheran Family Camp-Out is scheduled.  Who would have thought that a good time might be had sleeping in a tent approximately 50 yards from Interstate 5?  Yet many of our families take part with children of all ages and sometimes the family dogs!! 

A meal is shared, games are played, children are put to bed, and conversation continues late into the night.  Relationships are built and strengthened.  Next morning those who come early to the church will find sleepy children eating breakfast in the social hall, and parents preparing to host the coffee hour.  It's a good thing!!

Even as we celebrate the Labor Day weekend in our own way, it's important to remember the roots of this holiday - this is officially the day when parades and other events are formed to honor trade and labor organizations.  Some from our own congregation are union members, while others may disagree with the work of the unions.  As Jesus' followers, however, we must all consider issues of economic and social justice from the perspective of our baptisms, and live our individual faith within the workplace.

As Jesus followers it is our call to make responsible decisions about the goods that we purchase so that, as much as possible, we are making decisions that support fair trade practices, safe work environments, and human rights.  Labor Day may not be a liturgical holiday, but it is a day that can remind the church about some important issues that we should be concerned about.

Celebration Sunday (September 8) promises to be huge this year.  There's much to celebrate!!  In addition to gathering around Word and Meal we will be welcoming new members into the community;  at the end of the service we will process outside where we will bless the wheels - bicycles, skateboards, wheelchairs, walkers, roller blades - all wheel-based people-powered forms of transport. 

As if that isn't enough the next task will be the blessing of a new bike rack, being built in memory of Mike Holl, who died last year, and who was an avid cyclist.  This bike rack will be appreciated and enjoyed by all members and guests of the parish.

Still on that Sunday we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, of which Faith is a member parish.  Yellow t-shirts will be worn with the slogan "God's Work - Our Hands."  As a community we will work together in Faith's Community Garden.  Somewhere in the midst of all this activity we will have a picnic lunch!

And if Celebration Sunday is the beginning of the program year, the Gospel for that day should make us sit up and take notice.  Read Luke 14: 25-33!  How do we conduct ourselves in light of these words?  Certainly Jesus' sermon is a rallying cry, but of a different kind - less about growth and energy and more about focus and commitment.

For the rest of the fall, through to Reformation Sunday, I want to encourage the whole congregation - members of all ages - to engage with us in "Late Morning Catechism: An All-Ages Confirmation Class" in the Social Hall.  For a few short weeks, we ask that you forego visiting with friends and family and instead take part in a lively conversation with Faith members of all ages, but particularly the confirmation class.  It will be fun.  It will be stimulating.  You might learn something, and yes, there will be food and coffee. Enjoy.

Blessings to all of you in these "dog days" of August.  Enjoy the late summer sun, the ripening fruit, the harvest of vegetables and the goodness of the land. 

God's peace,

 Sharon