August

The evening was perfect for fishing. Martin Luther and his friends were pulling up trout, carp, pike, and a few other varieties from the little pond behind their house. When he turned and saw his wife Katherine with a broad smile on her face, Luther said, “Katy, you are more pleased over these few fish than a nobleman who fishes in the lake and catches thousands. Rich men sit around with all their luxury, but can’t enjoy what they have. God’s gifts are overwhelming, but it’s too bad people who don’t know God can’t even recognize them.”
I hope and pray that you are able to recognize and appreciate the blessings God gives you. Your home and family, daily food and shelter, friends and companions, health and well-being are all gifts that come to you because God loves you so much. Everything we do as members of God’s family the church, reminds us of this basic fact.
This month we will begin a new tradition at Atonement that will help us remember and celebrate those gifts. On August 29th, we will send out “The Blessing Cup.” This special chalice will travel from house to house among our members, to be shared by each family. While it’s in their possession, each family will place it on their table, say a special prayer and drink from it at a daily meal. The hope is that every Atonement family will eventually take a turn being a steward of the blessing cup.

We will start off with families of confirmation students, and then open it up to others. Singles, couples, families with or without children are all welcome to partake. Everyone gets blessed by God, so everyone gets a turn with the blessing cup!

Peace,

Pastor Scott