And just like that summer is over and fall begins later this month. Where does the time go? There are two standard definitions of Fall – one is the meteorological fall which begins on the 1st of September and covers September, October, and November. The other is the one we most associate with -the astronomical fall which in 2026 begins at 7:04 PM on the 22nd of September. Whichever definition you relate to fall usually means the ramping up of activities in the church. J.A.M begins on September 16th, and confirmation starts up on the 30th. Both are exciting times to teach and share the message of God’s love to our youth. Also, this year we are planning on bringing back some traditions that fell by the wayside during the pandemic. Some will be for both congregations; some will be at only one. Things like new member Sunday – we have many people who have been faithfully worshipping with us, but we have never recognized them as members. We also want to bring our reputation of being the church that gives out bibles with a Sunday where 3-year-old, 3rd graders, and over 80 youth receive a bible. The traditional Harvest Festival at Lake Hanska may look different this year as the musical group from years past is not available anymore. We also will feature one Sunday a month through the fall to revisit the themes and animals featured in our outstanding vacation bible school. As you can see there is a lot to feature this fall, but one thing that doesn’t change with the season is our coming together as a faith community to worship and commune each Sunday. As a reminder we change service times in September through the end of the year. Faith will worship at 9:00 and Lake Hanska gets to sleep in and worship at 10:30. Personally, I will be at another S.A.M. retreat the 13th -15th and at the SW MN Synod Fall Theological Conference the 27th -29th. Just as J.A.M. and confirmation are opportunities for learning with our young people – these two events are energizing and very helpful in my learning curve. I continue to be thankful for the chance to serve these two congregations this fall and beyond. Just one of you in Christ - Ralph DATE 1ST READING PSALM 2ND READING GOSPEL Sunday, September 6 15th Sunday after Pentecost Ezekial 33:7-11 119:33-40 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Sunday, September 13 16th Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 50:15-21 103:1-13 Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35 Sunday, September 20 17th Sunday after Pentecost Jonah 3:10—4:11 145:1-8 Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-6 Sunday, September 27 18th Sunday after Pentecost Ezekial 18:1-4, 25-32 25:1-9 Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32 News for Faith Lutheran Ch
