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Health & Fitness

SEPTEMBER RESOLUTIONS AND PLACES OF WORSHIP

When late December rolls around each year, we are bombarded with news stories prompting us to consider our New Year's Resolutions.  Many of us take this suggestion rather seriously and do exactly that. Yet, to be honest, I have found that perhaps THE most important time to make resolutions is right now, at the end of the summer season.

Consider this: Come late August and early September, people return to school, go away to college, launch a 'work year' routine as summer vacation lies behind them and just generally take on a different tone from that which constitutes the unique routines and respites of summer. Parents and students alike seek to put unsuccessful school moments in the past as new backpacks and other supplies speak to the spirit of NEW RESOLUTIONS for a year that is better than the last!

As you can see from the title of this blog, I happen to be pastor of a church.  In my experience, religious congregations place high priority on these Fall New Year Resolutions. Take my own congregation ( Second Congregational, Manchester) as example ---We have spent a good deal of time in these last few months PLANNING for our 'program year' , as we like to call it-arranging for a calendar of events which has variety and interest. If you were to look at ours, you'd see a Church Fair, an Open House, Seasonal Sharing, an ICE CREAM SOCIAL  educational events, concerts, etc, etc,  and even more etc....all in addition to weekly 10 am worship!

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I have also found AND I would like to suggest right here that FOR INDIVIDUALS, this period of time, this transition from Summer to Fall, is a great time to consider CONNECTING or RECONNECTING with a local 'house of worship' or, if this has not been part of your life, maybe making a commitment to do some SEARCHING and SEEKING.

To be honest, in my view, being connected to a religious congregation and being part of its ongoing life in some way can help provide comfort, support and a necessary challenge as we move along this road that is life!  I would be less than honest if I didn't say that for MANY PEOPLE, their connection with organized religion has been painful and far from helpful!  It is my strong belief that the world of religious congregations is filled with many houses of worship of different and varied traditions in which people can find that which can sustain them, help them to grow and provide them a REALISTIC HOPE!   And, in my view, it's really worth an honest look!

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As we make the move to Fall and as our congregation resolves to make of this a program year which benefits those with whom we come into contact, may I suggest we all pause to consider how the life of a religious congregation might either continue or begin to fit into our own.  And, whether you do or don't(and I hope you do!), I wish you joy, peace and the very best!!

Have a great Fall!

Pastor Bob

Pastor Bob serves as pastor of Second Congregational Church, 385 North Main Street, Manchester and blogs at seconduccpastorbob.blogspot.com

He is the author of three books, one of which is entitled CROSSING THE STREET, looking at the need for understanding between Protestants and Catholics.  His books are listed at www.amazon.com

 

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