I hope everyone has had a pleasant summer and has taken some time to rest in God's grace. I am pleased with the way you Calvary leaders and volunteers have been preparing for fall programs, talking and planning and calmly doing the work of the Realm of God. No one is in a panic. We do what is needed now and we will be ready for Rally Sunday, for Sunday School classes, Confirmation, High School Youth Group, worship and music opportunities, fellowship and care for our neighbors, all done in the confi-dence of God's grace.

Here are a few new things to look forward to. High School youth can see their friends on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and enjoy Bible study, games and great conversations led by Micah Gorans and Becky Brauer. There will also be some wonderful youth group events every month throughout the year.

Sixth through twelfth grade Calvary youth will join with youth from Hillsboro United Methodist Church and All Saints Episcopal Church one Sunday evening a month for food, games and Bible study. The first Epi-Luther-Dist or Meth-Episc-aran or Luther-Meth-opal event will be Sunday September 19 from 6:30 to0 8:00 p.m. at the Hillsboro United Methodist church.

Calvary Lutheran Youth can also enjoy events of our own and begin planning for some of the big future events such as a possible servant trip and the amazing ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2012.

Of course there is Sunday School which begins Rally Sunday on Sep-tember 12 for ages three to one hundred one. (One hundred two year olds are also welcome).

This Spring I spoke about starting Spiritual Direction Groups. These are groups of about seven or eight people who will make covenants together of mutual support to listen to each others stories and discern God's Spirit in their lives. They will ask questions such as, "What has been my journey of faith so far?" "How is God present in my life now?" And "Where might God be leading me?" As a pastor I have the privilege of hearing and sharing the struggles and joys in life of so many of you. I hear your questions and try to let you know God's presence in the midst of your struggles. But I don't want to have all the fun. I sense that many of you crave a small community in which you can know and be known more deeply, a safe place in which you can discern the Spirit's movement in your life. I have asked Mindy Holland, an ELCA Deacon from the Oregon Synod who has skill and training to lead Spiritual Direction groups to help us get at least one Spiritual Direction group going this fall. Please see me if you are interested. We are ready to set up a group this fall. The group will probably meet on a weekday evenings about twice a month.

Calvary musicians have been providing musical offerings all summer, and lately we have been rehearsing for a gig outside the walls of Calvary Lutheran Church. The Calvary band will play at the Forest Grove Farmers' market on Main Street, September 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. We will be playing quite a variety of blues, rock and gospel tunes to share God's love and good will with our neighbors. Please come by to enjoy the music and also check out the wonderful things for sale at the market.

As I write this, I have just enjoyed a night hosting Family Bridge guests at Calvary. The second lesson for this Sunday is from Hebrews13. "Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that, some have entertained angels without knowing it." I don't know about angels. The people seemed awfully real to me, and I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant group of families who happen to find themselves in some pretty tough circumstances. I admire their courage and endurance, and I appreciate all you volunteers and Dave and Kim who have been coordinating the Family Bridge weeks at Calvary. Thank you for your compassion and simple acts of hospitality!

God has brought us through a wonderful season of active but also fairly relaxing ministry. Here we are now at the turning of the seasons, confident in God's presence and grace. We look forward to all that is to come, knowing that we move forward into God's sure and certain future. Welcome to the work and community in Christ in peace, love and joy.

Pastor Matthew