As part of a month-long theme of thanksgiving, we're focusing this coming Sunday on two important groups of people in the life of the congregation. They also happen to be important to the University community and to our nation, as well. They are the students who are part of our Wesley Foundation, our FUMC-supported United Methodist outreach ministry to CSU students, and the Veterans who are part of our church.
It was interesting designing a worship service that did justice to both rather diverse groups of folks, but I think it's going to be a meaningful day. We have University students involved in leading worship, with the focus in the first half of the service being on the Wesley Foundation ministry. Following the services, all are invited to help support the Wesley Foundation and upcoming Wesley student mission trip by buying a few goodies at the bake sale in the Fellowship Hall. You are also invited downstairs to one of the Church basement areas to see a beautifully remodeled gathering room we're calling Wesley Commons, designed and worked on primarily by the students themselves (with minimal assistance from Church staff, which was also appreciated).
The second half of the service and the sermon focus on our Veterans, not only those who are part of the congregation but all Veterans who have served in any of the five branches of the Armed Services (Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard). The freedoms we enjoy in our country were, are, and will be safeguarded by those who have served - until the day that armed conflict disappears as a means of settling disputes. God speed that day. In the meantime, it is fitting that our Veterans know of our gratitude for their service and the risks associated with it.
Join us on Sunday for a meaningful set of services - and, of course, feel free to interact with me on this through the blog or via e-mail as Sunday approaches. I'll be using Psalm 147:7-11 to ground the message Biblically and will be exploring aspects of our Veterans' service through story. The message is entitled, "I'm Thankful for Sheepdogs" based on a conversation I had once with a now-retired Army colonel and friend who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
God's peace and blessings to you,
Pastor Steve
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