In our season of “kick-off” events marked by our Ministry Celebration today, we begin an annual journey for our church. It is time to reengage or simply engage in deeper ways, as vacations are over, and school and sports/activities schedules are now back in full-gear. In many ways, our whole community takes a deep breath and dives in.

Click on the link to watch the Facebook live recording of the sermon, you don't have to be a Facebook user to watch.

https://www.facebook.com/fumcva/videos/467863473727032/

 The question for this season of transition and kicking-off is: “What are you diving in to?” Below is a challenging prayer to use in this season for our church and personal focus.

 “Meet Us Lord in Unexpected Places” (based upon a prayer from Ted Loder)

Dear God of patient generosity, we know that our easy responses to your grace –the quick prayers, the brief attempts to “be spiritual,” the shrug at sermons, the gifts of just money – leave us often impoverished and stuck.

In the season before us, we ask to be stirred toward something outrageously, wonderfully soul-satisfying. Slow us, calm the beating of our busy hearts, and ease us into being good Samaritans and co-laborers with you. Make us bold. Unify our purpose as family in Christ. And, in doing so, meet us in unexpected places. Be visible in our daily rounds and make us glad of heart in our tilt toward justice and joy, in our families, our work, this church and all our activities. You love us so much that you press us closer to your kingdom. Help us to attune our hearts to this grace. Amen.