September ’24 Enews

End of summer dreams

It may be hard to believe, but as most of our churches are just ramping up the program year, the GOL year is rapidly drawing to a close. With just two more Gatherings this year (see below to register) we’re already planning for 2025, taking your feedback seriously so that we may continue to meet your needs as we fulfill our mission and vision.

I’m getting emails from my ecumenical church buddies and we’re all beginning to plan delightful things like services of Lessons and Carols, Christmas, and more. I know that for me, it’s easy to get swept away, to bury myself in choosing hymns and service music settings, imagining already the fat snowflakes that will be swirling through the air. I’m trying to remember to wait, to rest, and to be present in these end of summer moments, as fleeting as the sunsets this time of year.

I hope amidst the business of your own season you can also find time to be present, to rest, and to really live inside these last days of the summer of 2024. I also hope that if you’re thinking you haven’t been to a Gathering in too long you will read the beautiful reflections from Rich and Marion after our Michigan event. They are the perfect bookends: Rich nearing retirement and Marion just starting out with GOL. I also hope that you will make room in your calendar to be with us, either this year or next year, so that we may continue together to dream God’s dream, and work grounded in hope, truly reconciling all creation unto our Creator.

Alicia Hager

Community & Communications Curator

 

 

 

 

Read the full issue.