The Rector's Ramblings--September 3, 2009

The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Sawyer

Many of us still look at the Labor Day Weekend as the end of the summer season. Although here in North Carolina our schools have already started, in many states children go back to school on the day after Labor Day. Some old southern traditions are remembered at this time. Children no longer go barefoot, women put away the white shoes, and men hang up the seersucker suits until next year. Even in the Episcopal Church, Labor Day marks a time of transition when churches prepare to start up what many of us simply refer to as the "program year."

There is a wonderful hymn of the Church that speaks to us of the change that is taking place in the life of parishes and missions across our Church. It is known as "Come, Labor on." Its first verse reads, "Come, labor on. Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain, while all around us waves the golden grain? And to each servant does the master say, 'Go work today.'" (Hymn 541) As Rally Day approaches, I hope all of you have had a wonderful summer, and I encourage you to be active in both worship, as we move to 8am and 10:30am services on September 13, and Christian Education and Formation, meeting at 9:15am.