Hello!

What does it mean to have “A Life Well Lived?”

At church, we have experienced a recent season of deaths of beloved women in our congregation. They lived long lives, cared deeply for their loved ones and greater community, and they went above and beyond to serve God and others. Simply put, each of theirs was A LIFE WELL LIVED. And some globally famous leaders and figures have recently passed, like Queen Elizabeth II. How do we understand the impact of our actions throughout our lives?

“No empire lasts forever, no dynasty continues unbroken. Some day, you and I will be mere legends. All that matters is whether we did what we could with the life that was given to us.”

Krishna Udayasankar

A Life Well Lived.

I’ve been thinking of that phrase quite a bit lately. Whether we are known by many or by very few, we all have opinions on how we choose to live our lives. We even have a lot to say about it, hence the abundance of quotes today. When you think about your one wild and precious life, what kind of a legacy do you want to leave? How do you want to be remembered? (Or, if you don’t really want to be remembered, what do you want to do to shift the focus on God and on others?)

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years”

Unknown

Although it is a real gift to grow old and live many years on this Earth, I wonder about the quality of our lives. While none of us are guaranteed 96 or 98 or even 105 years (some of the ages of our recent congregants who have passed away), how do we ensure our everyday days and mundane moments all equal up to a life well lived? This is a question each of us must ask ourselves and our God over, and over, and over again. It is surely a process.

Prayer: God of all time, may we ponder the quality of life we live in this day, this hour, this moment. Give us wisdom to determine what a life well lived looks like for us as individuals, and offer up courage for us to carry out this plan. Line our paths with hope and fill our breaths with gratitude. It is in your son, Jesus’, name we pray. Amen.

May we each lean into a life well lived.

~Laurel

---

Coming Up:

September 23 — Adults Night Out and Kids Night In!

• Adults (parents & non-parents) are invited to a fun evening at Somerset Wine & Cider Bar (Rosehill) in Martin City for live music, food trucks and fun. Sign
• Childcare (ages 0-12) at church from 5:30-9:00 pm; RSVP by 9/16.

---

October 2 – World Communion Sunday

• Children and youth read litany and present breads to altar as part of this memorable annual time of global Communion. To sign your kids up to present a bread or to read, email Laurel by 9/24.

---

October 14-15 – Centering Prayer Retreat

Led by Tim Freeman, this unique opportunity offers space for older teens and adults to center themselves for connection and reflection with God. Great for beginners to experts in centering prayer. This will take place at church and is not overnight. Book to be read before the retreat; please contact Tim at fladnag1955@gmail.com to sign up and receive more info. If you have childcare needs, please contact Laurel by Sept. 25 to make church arrangements.

---

October 16 – Children’s Sabbath

• Children lead at Holmeswood, and this day is a global focus shared with faith communities around the world. Started and resourced by the Children’s Defense Fund, “The National Observance of Children’s Sabbath, is a time for people of all faiths to unite in shared concern for children and common commitment to improving children’s lives and working for justice on their behalf.” 
• If your child/youth would like a leadership part in Worship, be sure and attend BFG in September and October, where they will be preparing (singing, speaking, etc.); email Laurel if you have any questions.