Dear Bothers and Sisters in Christ,

We all make a big deal - and a lot of noise and merry making - when we celebrate the significant transition from the old year to the new, on January 1^st.

And that second transition time of the calendar year from summer's end into the beginning of a new school year in early September that, too, touches all of us in one way or another.

But there is a third time of transition in the calendar year that is also significant for all of us at Holy Trinity. We have just made that transition - and we are living now as a congregation with its effect: the movement from the normal meeting times of 9 and 11:15 am to our 10:00 am worship

This transition gives us some opportunities we may not otherwise have: chances to worship together as one church family; opportunities to hang around after worship over a cup of coffee, and "reconnect" with each other; chances to sleep in one hour later for our youth yetstill be there at worship; moments to come early and meditate - to "reconnect" with God in the quietness of our own spirit.

This summer transition is an opportune time to work at our own spirituality, and through Word, Sacrament, corporate worship, and quiet prayer, to have the hush the clamor of our individual worlds and re-energize our spirits, bodies and souls as followers of Christ.

It is most important for each of our spiritual lives - and our eternal lives - that this summertime be a time where we still find our way to God's house to be with God's people, to be renewed by God the Spirit.

The prophet Nehemiah and the people of Israel, upon returning from exile, said

"We make firm agreement...we will not neglect the house of our God." Nehemiah 9:38, 10:38

Such wisdom - during their time of transition - from bondage to freedom.

May we be as wise as they!

Grace and Peace

Pastor Harald.