August

Keeping the Faith Through the Dog Days of Summer

August has arrived! The month when the temperatures rise, the ice cream melts faster than we can eat it, and many of us wonder where the summer went. And as August arrives, we find ourselves standing between the fullness of summer and the promise of a new season. The gardens are producing their harvest and many of us are taking time to reflect on the blessings God has provided throughout the year.

Scripture reminds us in Psalm 107:1, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a response to God's unchanging goodness. Even during challenging times, we can look back and see His guidance, provision, and grace at work in our lives.

As a church family, August is a wonderful opportunity to pause and count our blessings. We are thankful for the friendships that strengthen us, the ministries that serve our community, and the many ways God continues to work through His people. Whether you have been worshiping with us for years or are just beginning your faith journey, you are an important part of what God is doing here.

We invite you to join us in the weeks ahead for worship, fellowship, and ministry opportunities. Together, may we continue to grow in faith and be a light in our community.

Before long, vacations will wind up and school buses will be rolling again, and in the middle of the busy season, it's important to remember that God's faithfulness never takes a vacation.

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning."

And thank goodness for that! Because some days we got more on our to-do list than we have time to do them, and our patience is running on fumes. Yet God's mercy shows up fresh and new, meeting us exactly where we are.

As a church family, we have much to be thankful for. We thank God for answered prayers, faithful volunteers, meaningful worship, and the friendships that encourage us along the way. We are also grateful for air conditioning… a modern blessing not specifically mentioned in Scripture, but surely appreciated by many saints.

As summer begins to wind down, let's continue to grow in faith, support one another, and seek opportunities to serve. Wherever you are in life… whether it’s heading back to school, back to work, or just back to finding matching socks after vacation, remember that God walks with you every step of the way. So, let us commit ourselves to staying connected with God through prayer, Scripture, worship, and service. Let us also look for opportunities to encourage one another and share Christ’s love with those around us.

Prayer for August

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, mercy, and faithfulness. Help us to keep our eyes on You during busy days and changing seasons. Fill our hearts with gratitude, our minds with peace, and our church with joy. Bless our families, our community, and all those in need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Remember: If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. And if He brings you through August in Iowa without complaining about the heat, that might be a miracle worth putting in next month's newsletter!

God’s Blessings,

Pastor B.