It's Labor Day

It’s Labor Day, the day that always signals the official end of summer. This federal holiday originated as a day to provide a day off for workers, and was officially recognized by Congress in 1894.

Here at Bethlehem, we pause to give thanks today for the labors of all who built this congregation during the past 100 years.

And for every Christian, this is a weekend to consider the vocation, or daily calling, that God has given to each of us. Whatever shape our “daily work” may take, our first calling came to us in Holy Baptism, when God called us to be children of God. Whatever else we do in life, that calling comes first and informs everything we do. No matter where we go, that promise goes with us.

Prayer
O God, give us grace to set a good example to all among whom we live, to be just and true in all our dealings, to be strict and conscientious in the discharge of every duty; pure and temperate in all enjoyment, gracious and generous and courteous toward all; so that the mind of Jesus Christ may be formed in us and all may know that we are his disciples; in whose name we pray. Amen. ELW, p. 82