Clean Starts
by Pastor Bill Geis
From time to time, a “clean start” is a welcome change. My computer works smoothly after a clean start. My concentration is refreshed when my desk gets cleaned off. I’m pleased by a new coat of paint, a new piece of furniture, a new project or goal to reach. At this particular time of year, there’s probably no stronger connection to that sense of a clean start than a new school year.
Perhaps your household is caught up in some of the action of a new school year: Little ones just starting out; college students moving into their dorms; seasoned adults going back to school. Even if your life isn’t directly linked to a current student, this time of year is ripe for change and a “clean start.”
Each summer, St. John’s volunteers engage in arranging for and helping to freshen up our building and grounds. This summer, floors were refinished, new lighting was installed in our gym (funded by a grant from ComEd), and the school office was remodeled (through your gifts to our capital fund). This morning’s coffee will be served on the west end of the building (Park Road entrance) so that you can take a look at some of these improvements. I want to thank Pete Johnson for giving daily attention to supervising our summer projects. Thanks also to our board of properties, and all who worked together to get these jobs done in time for a “clean start” of our school year.
St. John’s commitment to education is evident not only in our facility but also in the excellence and commitment of our school staff who provide a Christian setting and education for preschoolers and youth through the 8th grade. We anticipate beginning the 2009-2010 year with 30 preschoolers and 160 students (grades K through 8), and that number continues to grow as the staff has been working to accommodate last minute enrollments! Today in both of our services we recommit ourselves to this ministry and bless this ministry team. Take a moment during our coffee hour today to encourage and bless them with a “clean start” in a new school year. Classes begin on Monday!
As seasons change, we have the opportunity to celebrate a new emphasis on education in the church’s overall ministry. Over the next several weeks we’ve planned special events aimed at a clean start for us all in the Fall Ministry program. There’s something for everyone: children, families, youth and adults. Next week is our Ministry Fair highlighting all the different ministries and groups active at St. John’s. Rally Day (September 13) includes a variety of fun events to bike, walk and pray for the city. You can read more about these upcoming events in this publication, in our newsletter and on our web site.
Join us in the newly lighted gym, for a special production, “Once Upon a Parable.” Youth and adults have been working throughout the summer to prepare this musical for our refreshment and clean start in joyfully studying the word of God together. “Once Upon a Parable” is a delightful presentation of lessons taught by Jesus and a fresh reminder to us all that learning God’s Word is participatory, and fun! I want to thank Marnie Smith who brought this production from dream to reality with her leadership and grace. The production is dedicated to the memory of our Pastor David Smith and it is the first time we’re using the stage for a musical with brand new curtains and draping (memorial gifts to the congregation). It is an inspiring way for us to listen to the stories of Jesus—one fitting of Pastor Smith’s love for musical theater.
As we all get a clean start at St. John’s, remember, it’s part of the ongoing process to keep us engaged in the mission and calling to “Live as Disciples.” While there are certain times and seasons where clean starts catch our attention, keep in mind that in your baptism each breath is filled with God’s grace of a clean start. It is by the grace of God that we are continually brushed off, forgiven, and sent out shining for new service in his kingdom. Just as all of us benefit from the projects completed by a few here this summer, so we are all blessed to receive the service of Jesus in whom we all have a “clean start” to live.
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505 S Park RD | La Grange IL 60525 | www.sjlagrange.com
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