Andy's Blog: A Personal Word

July 29, 2008

Jul. 29, 2008

The Little New Year

We may celebrate the New Year on December 31st, but our calendars often have a “Little New Year” marked on them as well: the first day of school. Even those of us not directly involved in educating and raising children begin thinking about our time differently. Though the days are still hot, and the last light of the sun lingers in the sky until 8 o’clock, we know summer is winding down. We wrap up vacations and begin planning toward fall and even (gasp!) Christmas. We smell the scent of new erasers and notebooks in the back to school aisles of the stores.

This time resembles the New Year in another way, too: many of us make resolutions. We say, “when it gets cooler, I will exercise outside more. I will get back in the habit of going to worship. I will get more sleep. I will try to keep in touch with my friends.” We need these seasons of renewal and recommitment, these rhythmic cycles of rest and work. In that rhythm we hear the call of God to become the disciples we are created to be.

At Trinity, we celebrate the chance to grow in Christ at GROW Sunday, on August 17th at 9:45 AM. We highlight the Bible studies and growth opportunities available this fall, and we get excited about the lives that will change as a result. These are more than just programs and curricula – they are opportunities for small communities of people to form and for hearts to be changed. We stretch our roots deep into scripture, tradition, reason, and our own experience, and we are nourished by the living water we find there. As we do, we find that we grow up toward God and out toward our neighbors. We produce fruit in our lives.

I hope that this season, in this “Little New Year,” you will resolve to grow on purpose – that you will intentionally open yourself to the life-giving Spirit of Christ through Bible study, fellowship, and prayer. You can register for a study at GROW Sunday on August 17th, but you don’t have to wait until then. There are registration forms available in the entrances to both the Large and Small Sanctuaries, or you can register online at http://www.trinitybirmingham.com.

Peace,
Dave Barnhart

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