August Sundays at Westwood

Redskins game, soccer practice, band practice, doctor's appointment, breakfast with a friend, school, start of vacation, holiday parade, Black Friday shopping...these are just a few of the things we get up early to prepare for and get to. The list is certainly not exhaustive for there may be many other things you like to do or have to do along the way that require an earlier start. How about Sunday morning worship???

During the month of August, we move our worship services to 9:30 a.m. Now, for many of you, that is just 15 minutes before Sunday School usually starts (though I am aware that is just a suggestion for most of us). For those, however, who only come to worship, it requires an hour and a half earlier start. I know also that Sunday mornings follow Saturday nights and the busyness of our social calendars and for some, that means Sunday morning can be a catch-up for sleep, and yes, there are a few among us who truly have limitations in the morning that challenge early commitments. But for most of us, Sunday morning worship is a choice, a decision we make to gather in community with others to worship the living God. August brings change to our schedule, but also opportunity for meaningful worship in a format less formal, perhaps more interactive, followed by meaningful fellowship. Some of you will be traveling during this month. I pray your time away will be refreshing and blessed and we look forward to welcoming you back on your return. But if you are in town over these next four Sundays, I also pray that you will adjust your schedule and join your Westwood family. If you have friends or family visiting from out of town, bring them along, then head out to enjoy a full day, exploring the treasures of our area.

Our theme in worship over these four Sundays will be, "Connections: Stronger Together Than Apart." In gathering for worship and fellowship, the connections we make together, honor the Lord and strengthen our family of faith. So, set your alarm clock a little earlier, if necessary, and make whatever plans may be necessary to prepare for and get to Westwood at 9:30. I think you will be blessed, and I know you will be a blessing to others.

Gospel Forje, a bluegrass group featuring our own Ginger Beecher, will be with us this Sunday morning to provide special music. We will observe communion and I will bring a message entitled, "The Ties That Bind," based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. I look forward to seeing you at 9:30 this Sunday!

Jim Abernathy

P.S. Don't forget, "Westwood's Got Talent" is Sunday night at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, with desert fellowship to follow. Join the fun and fellowship!