As I write this, August is flying past like the Amtrak Zephyr thru the Iowa cornfields. The summer is at end and schools are once again full of bustle and noise. For St James it means those high school seniors from last year are moving into a new environment full of wonder, excitement, and a bit of apprehension. It is much the same for us here at home. I am beginning to pick up on the excitement of having the Call Committee in place and hard at work. It is exciting to ponder what the future holds for us but at the same time we are apprehensive as we look at the future. Will we find a pastor who has the drive to take us to the next level? Will our new pastor continue the strong community outreach we are so proud of? Will our new pastor have the zest to rally our young and fill our Sunday school rooms each Sunday? Will our new pastor have the fire to fill us with the love of Christ that there is no room for sin or injustice?

 

The questions are many and they fuel our hope for what the future holds for our congregation. As we look forward I hope each of you will look for your place to support St James. Remember it is not all about what goes in the offering plate, it is also our time and talents that God desires us to give for each other. Visit a committee this month, volunteer to help with Rally Sunday, lend a helping hand in the office. The choir will start soon and you don’t have to be a rock star to sing, just willing to lend your voice.

 

Have you had a chance to check out the remodeled Sunday school rooms? There has been a lot of work done by many great people this past month. I stood in the doorway and watched as Chris Cline and Richard Wilson sprayed paint everywhere. I did not venture in too far as I was not sure but that I might get painted blue! Awesome job, thank you to everyone involved.

 

Our committees are in the process of submitting budgets and the Finance Committee is putting together a proposed budget that will include specific line requests so we will see firsthand what is being hoped for in the coming year. We will be including this proposed budget in the Stewardship packets this year so we can all look at it, and pray about it. In early November the Finance Committee will prepare the final budget proposal based on the outcome of the Stewardship drive. Please consider being a part of that process. The Finance Committee will welcome your input to the process.

 

I pray each of you will have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend. Whether you are traveling or staying near home, drive safely and be watchful of those near you. May God bring you safely home.

 

May the peace of the Lord be with each of you.

 

Marvin McNabb

Council President