August holds a liminal season that often goes unnoticed. June is heralded for the close of a school year, graduations, and weddings; while September is known for the official start of the academic calendar.
But August is the month that holds the beauty of some of the warmest days of summer, with the cool nighttime temperatures starting to point to fall. August is the month when band camps start, college students move into dorms, and back-to-school preparations take place.
This August, we too anticipate a fall filled with new beginnings: the hope that the PNC will soon name a new Senior Pastor; the start of fall programming for children and youth that will look in some ways different and in some ways the same; Choir rehearsals starting back up in anticipation for the return to our Journey and Sanctuary worship services.
This August, we also look back with thanks to all that has marked these past few summer months:
- Graduations that have marked tremendous work and dedication of many of our members at all stages of their educational and professional journeys (see page 3).
- Week long programs for children and youth—like Vacation Church School, Mission Trips, and Trinity Youth Conference.
- Pride: Giving thanks for the diversity of God’s creation, the wideness of God’s love and our commitment to full inclusion by marching in two Pride parades and hosting a table with other faith communities during Pittsburgh’s Pride celebration.
- August also marks the celebration of the 11th anniversary of ELPC’s LGBTQIA+ Ministry! (see page 6).
As we finish up our summer vacations and plan for the season ahead, let us give thanks for the God of all time who is with us always.
—Pastor Heather