August 2024
Dear Friends in Christ,
When I was young, we looked forward to the beginning of a new school year in SEPTEMBER (on the day after Labor Day). Most of you reading this message likely grew up with the same experience: Each year as we celebrated the Labor Day holiday, our celebrations were always muted by the anxiety we felt about starting another year of school.
For the most part, this experience was not terrible. A new school year meant we could see our friends more regularly. However, the challenges of lessons to be learned and problems to be solved meant that work was also required.
I remember a conversation I had with a more experienced pastor during my first year in ministry. He wisely (if not obviously) told me that the activities in congregations corresponded with the school year. Explaining that while not much happened in the summer in most churches, the new school year always brought changes to a congregation.
Without many students in the congregation, I realize that we might not be as affected by the school year as some congregations are. However, Labor Day is currently just another holiday. The school year begins in Georgetown County in August. And that means that many of our fall activities also come before summer is truly ending.
Living at the beach feels as if summer continues. Our relational realities teach us that beach towns live with the same challenges as other places.
Thinking about this issue reminds me that while we experience many different situations in our lives, God is with us no matter what happens. As a new school year begins, we give thanks for the students in our preschool and for students everywhere. May God bless all of them in their pursuit of learning. And may we continue to share God’s blessings as faithful people committed to a life in Christ.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Scott