Sturgis United Methodist Church

September brings a change of seasons and a return to familiar routines. Students head back to classrooms, activities begin again, ministries pick back up, and our calendars seem to fill almost overnight.

In the middle of all the busyness, September can also be a reminder that God is with us in every season. Whether we are beginning something new, returning to something familiar, or simply taking life one day at a time, we do not walk into this season alone.

As we settle into new routines, may we make room for what matters most—loving God, caring for one another, and looking for opportunities to be a blessing in the places God has planted us.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

May this new season be filled with opportunities to grow in faith, serve with love, and walk together as the body of Christ.

When you think about a local church and the issue of hospitality, wearing nametags is one of the simplest yet most powerful acts of hospitality we can offer to one another. Over the past several weeks as your new pastor, I have been deeply moved by your incredibly warm welcome. However, I must confess that learning and remembering everyone's names at a new church is always a joyful, yet challenging undertaking.

I want to know you, to pray for you by name, and to greet you personally. But as a human being with a finite memory, I have already experienced those moments of internal uneasiness. You know the feeling: you are in conversation with someone whose face you recognize completely, but their name has temporarily evaporated into thin air. Then you find yourself nodding warmly while hoping that another person will walk by and say, "Hi, Bob!"

So when you wear your nametag, you aren't just wearing a piece of plastic or paper; you are offering me—and everyone else—a lifeline. You remove the awkward barrier of forgetfulness and instantly replace it with connection. In that way, hospitality isn't just a goal for the new pastor. It is a vital calling for our entire congregation. We are a growing church family, and none of us can assume that everyone knows everyone else. Even if you have been here for decades, there is likely someone sitting three rows away whose name you are a little too afraid to ask for at this point. And they may feel the same way toward you.

Here is why this small habit matters so much for all of us:

· Inclusivity: Nametags level the playing field, making sure long-time members and brand-new visitors feel equally included.

· Belonging: Hearing our own name connects us to a community, reminding us that we are seen and valued.

· Relief: Offering your name on your chest relieves the anxiety of a brother or sister in Christ who might have forgotten it.

· Accuracy: It saves us from the tragedy of calling "Mary" by the name "Martha" for the next three years because we missed our window to double-check

Scripture reminds us that God calls us each by name. When we make the effort to learn and use each other's names, we reflect that divine love right here in our sanctuary and fellowship hall. So, let’s make a pact to grab those nametags every Sunday. Let's wear them with a smile, start new conversations, and build a culture where no one feels like a stranger. Thank you for saving me from my own memory (or lack thereof) and thank you for showing that same radical hospitality to everyone else in our church family!

Blessings,

Pastor Mark