August Sundays at Westwood

Today is the first day of August, the eighth month of the year.  It is often seen as the end of summer, though the season does not officially conclude until mid-September. It is a time of travel and rest for many, a calm before the storm of a new school year's beginning, and perhaps a brief season to catch one's breath before fall and the rush to Christmas.  August has some noteworthy dates, including International Friendship Day on August 3rd, and International Left-Hander's Day on August 13th. Congress takes its recess (some would argue its most productive time) and schedules in general change to accommodate a more deliberate pace.

 

August Sundays at Westwood provides our community of faith with a different schedule and approach to Sunday morning that is a bit more casual and interactive, providing a break for our faithful Sunday School teachers, and special opportunities for fellowship that we do not have throughout the year.  Beginning this Sunday, and continuing each Sunday throughout the month, morning worship will begin at 9:30, followed by fellowship time for all in Whitten Hall. All of our Sunday School teachers are being given a break this year so there will be no Sunday School during this emphasis.  Dress will be more casual, the approach to the service more interactive with opportunities for sharing and dialogue that our traditional format does not always include.  Music will be varied as vocal and instrumental offerings are shared by soloists and ensembles. Sunday School classes will be providing some delicious food for our fellowship time each week and there will be a few guests along the way to offer fresh perspective. 

 

The theme for the month in worship will be taken from Hebrews 13:8 which says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  That is an appropriate theme verse in the midst of our Fifty Sundays at Westwood emphasis during this special anniversary year.  So, though our schedule will change for this brief season, our purpose will not as we gather each week to honor the Lord in our worship and fellowship. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend (particularly this Sunday for International Friendship Day) and enjoy the blessing of God's presence at work in the Westwood family. 

 

Many of us will be traveling during this month, but when we are in town, let us enjoy these special worship and fellowship times and in doing so, give thanks for the wonder of faith we share in the living Christ.  Your faithfulness in attendance, giving, and fellowship during this month will indeed make our August Sundays at Westwood a blessing.

 

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

 

Jim Abernathy