Each month, as I get ready to turn the page on my calendar, I make sure that I’ve added my meetings and such to the upcoming months. While I was doing that, I realized that this year is flying by! In just a few weeks the kids will be back at school, which means I’m planning for Advent. Before we get too far into planning for Christmas, we must enjoy the hot and hazy days of August.

The first Sunday of the month (August 3) will bring us to the conclusion of our Colossians study. When finishing his letter, Paul reiterated his key points and added a final note: we must work together to do God’s work. We are part of the community of saints. We will lean into being part of God’s great community by celebrating the sacrament of communion this week.

I will be away starting Tuesday, August 5 through Sunday, August 10. I am excited to share that Rev. Bruce Schlenke will be sharing God’s word for us on August 10. Rev. Schlenke is a retired pastor who served at Wexford Presbyterian Church for many years. I can’t wait to listen to his sermon!

On Wednesday, August 13, we will once again celebrate the Blessing of the Animals! Don’t forget to bring donations for the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.

As we finish out the summer, the lectionary brings us to my favorite section of Hebrews where we will be talking about the heroes of the faith. There are people who have shaped Christianity and there are also people who have shaped our congregation. We will take time to look at how the heroes from the Old Testament helped to shape the early church. Then, we will ponder how the heroes in our own lives have shaped our faith personally and as a community. We will begin on August 17 looking at Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16. In this passage, we look at how the heroes of the faith moved through the challenges of life: by faith.

August 24 brings us to Hebrews 11:29-12:2 where we will think through the great cloud of witnesses. Who are the people we consider heroes of faith? There are familiar names from the Old Testament to be considered. There are also people who have made giant impacts on each of our lives.  Who might those people be for you? 

We will finish out our time with our heroes on August 31 by looking at Hebrews 12:18-29 as well as Jeremiah 1:4-10. When reading through the Bible, one thing we can be certain of is that even heroes have challenges. Thinking of our heroes’ experiences reminds us that, even in challenging times, we cannot be shaken.

I am praying that you are all weathering the summer well and looking forward to seeing you in worship!

Pastor Emily