Why Rally Sunday is Better than Cucumbers
It’s clear. Summertime is almost over: I am willing my cucumber plant to die.
Really, just how many cucumber salads or cold cucumber soups or plain cucumber slices can one endure? I ask neighbors if they’d like a free organic cucumber, and they laugh…they laugh!
I have been forced to be one of those people who silently (yea, stealthily) leaves a precious “gift” at the front door of an unsuspecting stranger. It is what one must do.
Yes, summer is coming to an end.
That means Rally Sunday is right around the corner! For the uninitiated, Rally Sunday is like “Back to School Night.” It announces that summer is over, you’re back from vacation, and you’re ready to rock and roll in church.
People – unlike the cucumbers I’m trying to get rid of – welcome their post-summer return to church.
As you savor that final summer soft-serve ice cream cone (hint of cucumber, anyone?), here’s my advice for Rally Sunday:
Wear your new clothes
Sharpen your pencils
Bless your people
Get going on the work of the church.
Like returning to school, there is both real excitement and a little bit of fear in what Rally Sunday will be like.
Will people show up? (Why yes, yes, they will.)
Will they want to be a part of God’s work in the world? (Why yes, yes, they will.)
Will they have fun? (Why yes, yes, they will!)
Of all the Sundays of the year, Rally Sunday is the one where a positive, exuberant atmosphere is appropriate. It’s Kick-Off Sunday! Exciting things await you and your congregation.
So, enjoy this last weekend before the fall season begins. Then, face Rally Sunday with joy and excitement.
The year is full of possibilities.
God bless you. Oh, and let me know if you need a cucumber.
*** Coming up! Julia Frisbie, Executive Director of the Faith Foundation Northwest and I will be leading a webinar on September 18 from 6:30-7:30: Pledge Campaign Best Practices. Be sure to sign up now! ***
Photo credit: Lidya Nada on Upsplash.
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous non-profit organizations. Did you know cats are afraid of cucumbers? It's funny (really) – check it out.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/inspiringgenerosity or at CesieScheuermann.com.
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