Rally Day, September 14th, is not an official holiday on any church calendar. Usually, the liturgical calendar consists of commemorations of saints and events in the life of Christ. Nevertheless, Rally Day is always one of the most joyful events of the year here at Holy Communion – certainly not like Christmas or Easter, but a great celebration just the same. On Rally Day we celebrate the life we have together, the life we share in Christ. After a summer of missing each other due to vacations and hot sanctuaries, we all gather to rejoice in the fact that God has knit us into one Holy Communion.

And then we get busy! There are so many things happening this fall that you should know about. Be sure to read the following pages for information about the upcoming educational programs, art exhibits, concerts, and opportunities for service. The ministry fair following our 11AM worship on Rally Day will be another opportunity to learn more about what is happening in our congregation.

While Rally Day is not in the liturgical calendar, Holy Cross Day is, and this year the two fall on the same Sunday. September 14th, Holy Cross Day, commemorates the finding of the “true cross” by Saint Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, in 325AD. Today, Christians mark this as a day to celebrate the cross, a symbol of suffering and shame that has become the tree of life and victory due to Christ’s triumph over death.

How appropriate that on the day we gather to celebrate our community we will also remember that this holy communion is founded on the greatest act of love, Christ’s laying down his life for his friends.
God’s Blessings!

Steve Keiser