Early Christian communities had two major problems. The first was that they had a lot of internal division and strife. This was a new religious movement, made up of people from all over the known world, people from different backgrounds, who spoke different languages, who had different cultures, who came from different social classes, who came from different religious traditions. It was diversity in the extreme. Some were Judeans, some Greeks, some Romans, some Africans. There were rich and poor. There were all kinds of different ideas about what their faith should be about. Was Christianity just a new sect of Judaism, or was it a new religion altogether? How much of Greek and Roman culture should be included? Who should be allowed in, and under what conditions? How should Christians’ new relationship as sisters and brothers in Christ effect their relationships outside the church, like the relationship between slaves and masters?

It seems like summer has hardly begun, but it’s already time to start thinking about our new program year in the Fall. We’ll be kicking off the year with Celebration Sunday, on September 7th. The choir will be back to help us get going after summer vacation. In addition, we’ll be holding a Recipe for Enough luncheon after worship to celebrate our hunger ministries and talk about how to take our next steps to eliminate hunger in Oregon and Idaho. Mark your calendars now and look for more information from Margaret Wauer and the rest of your Outreach Team.

September 7th also marks the beginning of Adult Sunday School for the Fall. In September we’ll be studying the pocket-sized book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Bishop Rueben P. Job. This is quick and easy way to learn more about the three general rules of The United Methodist Church: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. See me for more details and to pick up a copy of the book, or just show up on September 7th at 9:30 am in Room 5. I hope that many of you will be able to join us for this important study.

Beginning in October, the Adult Sunday School will continue with a Study of the Gospel of Mark using the study guide from Cokesbury’s Journey Through the Bible series. 2009 is the year of Mark in the lectionary, and this class is a great way to get a head start on Mark, so you’ll be better equipped to tell me everything I got wrong in my sermons on the gospel. ;-) Again, see me for more information, or just show up on October 5th.

After worship on Sunday, September 21st, join me for the Explorers Class. If you’re considering joining the church, or if you just want to know more about this congregation, The United Methodist Church, Methodism, or Christianity in general, this is your chance. Come with your questions. Whether you’re new to the church or a lifelong member, it will be a great time of fellowship and discussion. A light lunch will be provided.

Hope to see you there,

+Pastor David