Dear Family of God,

ral·ly/ˈralē/verb 1. (of troops) come together again in order to continue fighting after a de-
feat or dispersion: “De Montfort’s troops rallied and drove back the king’s infantry” synonyms: reassemble, re- group, re-form, reunite, gather together again, … more antonyms: disperse 2. recover or cause to recover in health, spirits, or poise: “she floundered for a moment, then rallied again” synonyms: recover, improve, get better, pick up, revive, … antonyms: deteriorate

noun
1. a mass meeting of people making a political protest or showing support for a cause: “a rally attended by around 100,000 people” synonyms: meeting, mass meeting, gathering, assembly, tweetup 2. a competition for motor vehicles in which they are driven a long distance over public roads or rough terrain, typically in stag- es and through checkpoints: “a rally driver”

Rally weekend is September 7th and 8th and all of the above parts of the definition have something to do with what Rally Weekend means in the Church.

We are coming back together after we have dispersed through the summer months. Some of us have traveled far and some not so far and yet we all come back together to celebrate as the people of Trinity Lutheran Church.

We also come together after defeats and struggles in our lives. Our congregation is a place to return to find comfort and support and strength to face the future. All of us at times need to have the Church rally around us and we promise to do that for each other here at Trinity. Most of us probably have a story to tell about the way the congregation has rallied around us, I know that both of us have such stories. We find in this place healing and recovery and we invite and encourage you to come and find healing and invite a friend as well.
We come together for a cause- to carry on the mission of our king- Jesus Christ. It is a mission to carry love and promise into the world. We rally here to coordinate and plan so that we can go into the world to make a difference.

We begin a journey, not in a car, but through life. We travel through public places and rough terrain and we know where we are going- we are going to meet the Lord in all kinds of places along the way. It is a journey filled with struggle, yes, but with joy and adventure. And we know we will finally reach the finish line with a winners wreath for each of us and a celebration that has no end.

So come and Rally with us, not just on September 7th and 8th , but every day. Rally around our Lord and Savior and you will find life.

Yours in Christ,
Pastors Cris and Dave