This seasonal transformation from summer to autumn always seems to start around Labor Day. There is the slight change in temperature. The type of produce being harvested alters color and shape. Here comes all the yellows, orange colors, browns, deep chocolate, funny looking golds, and, even, some purples while shapes are molded interestingly. Potatoes, squash, cattails, pumpkins, hot peppers, and turkeys. The fowl have already begun to form, fly, and be noticed. Every creature seems to migrate. Graduated seniors begin to cope with the reality of schools or looking for that first real job with or without training. The greatest transformation is around our school systems. The local school systems start their new seasons. Fall football, soccer, and tennis get into full swing. There were even auditions for opera singing in the Shopper. The teachers, administrators, bus drivers, service staff and especially the students start to develop new relationships in new or old familiar places. The play and recreation of summer begins to morph into the realities of study, learning, and working. By the end of September this annual transformation will be completely in place.
The City Center Church called First United Methodist Church is where another transformation is occurring. New Small Groups Ministry, under the leadership of Teresa Schell and Stacy Caballero will kick off their seasonal focus with First Church Connection on Wednesday, September 15. Eighty percent of our congregation is expected to participate in order for this congregation to go forward. This is one of the transformation moments as our season kicks into high gear. Recruitment for small groups will be assertive and in earnest.
Our Annual Church Conference is on Sunday, September 12, at 3:00 pm so everyone is expected to attend.
The choirs begin to function again so capture this opportunity to begin to participate in the Praise Team or the adult choir or the children’s choir.
The City Center Church called First United Methodist Church is focusing on her vision for four months starting in September. Please pray that the vision that “We are a vibrant, diverse, Christ Centered People” will be the answer we tell everyone. That is our answer when we shop, ride in elevators, go for flu shots, go for physical exams, go to chemo, go out to eat or simple talk to friends or family. This is a place where God empowers personal energy to be transformed into Spiritual energy as make actual the notion that we are a “transforming congregation.” Disciples are made here and serve in the community. People are welcomed to study, learn, respond, serve, play, and especially to join emergent Christ centered community. We are driven by the awareness that everything we do is infused with the Spirit of God. We are driven by the probability that the community of Battle Creek will know that we are here to witness to the presence of that Spirit. In September we start with ourselves.
What a moment!!! Come, and enter into the fray. Make a difference.
Shalom, Billie r.
