Well, we don’t really ever “finish” church for the year, but in the fall when the students from the 5 College Area return, it feels like we are beginning again. This year marks our 10th “fall launch” as Robert calls it, and it always brings new faces and lots of activity. The 10th fall launch also means our family is entering our tenth year of ministry in Massachusetts!
Robert is starting the year by preaching through the Song of Solomon (a big draw for 20-somethings!), and will finish the semester with a sermon series on Nehemiah. We have had record crowds – even in the 9:30a.m. service which we instituted this year instead of the later 1p.m.service. It is so exciting to see so many new and old faces every week – we have to pull chairs out of our cafe space every week to accommodate everyone!
We always have a big cookout on the first Sunday after the first week of classes. A free lunch always draws a crowd as well!
Two weeks ago, our church had a fall retreat at a nearby conference center. We did a “ropes course” which everyone really had fun with.
On the first night, we played another game in which everyone had to stand on a straight line marked on the carpet. Then, without speaking, the players had to arrange themselves by order of birthday (month and day) without getting off of the line. After a few moments, the creativity set in – hand motions, driver’s licenses, etc., and they completed the task. Such a fun time!
And I started leading another women’s small group Bible study which I always look forward to. We’re studying the Five Aspects of Woman: A Biblical Theology of Femininity, which is my all time favorite Bible study – ever! The group ranges from undergrads, to graduate students, to young married women. I have lost count of how many times I’ve been through this material, and yet it inspires me, convicts me, motivates me as a woman, and encourages my faith in Christ each and every time. Here are the ladies for this year’s course (minus 2 in this photo):
How awesome. All that activity and planning glimmers with God’s glory. 🙂 Y’all keep up the great work. I am glad to see your smiling face, Mel!
The Bible study you are doing sounds amazing. We host a Home Group and serve with children’s ministry on Sundays, so I just struggle to find time for more, but I would love to do a women’s study like that!