This summer I decided to once again attempt a patio garden. It has gone well, except for that one time I was away for a week and the person who was taking care of my newly planted plants got sick. By the time I got home, the beautiful yellow and white flowers that had center stage on the patio were gone—except for the ornamental grass that was at the middle. So I kept watering it. I cut back the dead stuff and just kept watering it all because there was some life there in the grass. I was amazed to see the flowers come back two weeks later! It was an explosion of little white flowers all over again. I was elated! A similar thing happened to my poor cilantro plant that ended up going to seed and blowing away—except that some of the seed fell in the soil and because I kept watering what was there I now have a new little cilantro plant growing. The same thing with the dill and catnip! I don’t think I will ever give up on any plant that seems dead again! This certainly got me thinking about our God, who doesn’t give up on us. Our God who provides us with the things we need to sustain us: water, food and community. There have been times in my life that have felt dry, like there was no life in me. Yet God is faithful to God’s promises and when I least expect it, there is new growth. What I have discovered is that during those periods, I need the people of God and the grace I depend on from God the most. The waters of baptism, the food of the table, the community of the faithful are what just keep watering me until the new growth appears.

y daughters have dressed up for Halloween since their first trick or treating adventure. They have been Disney princesses, woodland fairies, characters from movies, books and TV shows. Each one plans her costume, consults with the other sister and makes their costumes on their own, sometimes with a little help from mom. My girls have such fun being creative and enjoy the time they get to spend with each other. It would be so nice if we could just put on a certain outfit and become a model for Christ, but it doesn’t work that way.

You’re probably familiar with this scenario: you’re at the doctor’s office and she is reviewing with you a diagnosis and plan of treatment for whatever brought you there. You’re following most of what she’s saying, but from time to time there are terms that escape your. You know she’s using medical lingo, but because you trust your doctor you’re not too concerned. Still, it’s never fun feeling like you don’t fully understand what’s going on, especially when it comes to your health.

Have you ever noticed the different ways one gathers strength to endure those struggles that pop up in life? It may be the quiet of a starry night. It may the freshness of the air in the fall as you hear a breeze gently blowing through the leaves. It may be the presence one feels as they read a book, listen to music or contemplate a piece of art. It may be the rippling of the water as the children play close by. I do these things, but the most important thing that I do to find that inner strength, the energy, the peace to do the thing that I do, is to connect with other people. I have a true story to tell.

I hope you all had a wonderful summer and found God’s blessings surrounding you in all that you did. As we enter into a new school year we welcome new friends as well as old and look for new adventures where we can blossom in God’s word. Some of our activities for the year will be new. You can be assured that the favorites will remain however: movie night, Sugar Creek Winter fun days, Sugar Creek summer camp, cookie decorating, etc.

We got things warmed up in August, and the fun will continue in September. We will start the month with our potluck on Wednesday, September 16, at noon. But take note!!! To change things up a bit, we will have the potluck at Mary and Brian Narveson’s house. We are hoping for a warm fall day where everyone can gather on the deck for fresh air and fun. In case of bad weather, we will gather in the house. Our program will be musical games. 

Sunday school at First Lutheran kicks off with “Rally Day” on First Fest Sunday, August 30th, from 9:15 to 10:15 in the narthex. There will not be Sunday school class this day, however parents and kids are encouraged to come register, see their classrooms, meet their teachers and receive their registration packets

Last month I explained to you about the Veterans Ministry and some of the things that I would be writing about. The following is one of the first calls I received on behalf of this initiative. I think you might be surprised at what the outcome was....

I hope all of you have been enjoying the beautiful summer that God has provided for us. There are so many things to be thankful for that we must not forget to talk to God and let him know that we appreciate everything He blesses us with. Even the sad moments are a blessing because without rain things cannot grow....

Hi everyone! My name is Tina Nelson and I just recently got hired as the new Director of Discipleship of Youth. I am from Rapid City, South Dakota and graduated from the University of South Dakota this past May. I have been working in camping ministry for over 9 years now. I started in Custer, SD at a Lutheran camp called Outlaw Ranch, and after five years decided to change to Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI for a new challenge. I have had so many amazing experiences over the past four years there as a High School Village Leader. I am so very passionate about working with young adults and helping them to learn their own unique gifts and callings. I love the outdoors and connecting with God through adventures with youth in His creation. This job is such a blessing to me and I can’t wait to get to know all of you and share my passions!