August 2026 Newsletter

Aug 1
3 min read

🐟 "Go, even if you feel inadequate" — August at Union Lutheran Church

"The line between 'servers' and 'the served' completely faded."

As summer winds down, Union Lutheran Church is reflecting on the Book of Jonah and what it means to answer God's call to "Go"— even when we feel unqualified, reluctant, or out of our depth.

⚒️ Faith in Action: Mission Trip to Tryon, NC

In June, a short-term mission team representing Union and several sister Lutheran congregations traveled to Tryon, NC, partnering with the Tryon Presbyterian Church to serve families in Polk County. Guided by the Book of Jonah, the team built decks, cleared debris, and — most powerfully — sat with homeowners who were carrying real burdens of loss and financial stress. What started as structural repair became a ministry of listening, prayer, and presence.

Thank you to everyone whose prayers, giving, and support at the Cruise-In made it possible to "GO," as God called us to do.

✈️ Serving Beyond Our Borders: Mission to Albania

Our Spiritual Orphan Network team also traveled to Peshkopi, in the mountains of northeastern Albania, hosting English camps and youth camps for children with deep spiritual curiosity and few economic advantages. Grounded again in Jonah — his fear, his prayer from the depths, and God's boundless compassion for Nineveh — the team experienced Besa, the Albanian code of hospitality and trust, around dinner tables more than from any pulpit.

One of the team's youth was baptized during the trip. Thank you to everyone who supported Pastor Heidi and the team in prayer, giving, and encouragement.

💪 Spiritual Fitness Begins August 4

Our nine-week Spiritual Fitness study of Exploring Our Lutheran Liturgy by Dennis R. Fakes kicks off Tuesday, August 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dutch Meeting Hall, running through September 29. Just as our bodies need training, so do our souls — join us as we dig into the "how and why" of our worship.

🎉 Homecoming Sunday — Celebrating 252 Years!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 9, as we celebrate Homecoming with a 10:20 a.m. worship service, trumpet prelude, and a covered-dish luncheon to follow.

Help us get the grounds ready with a Church-Wide Workday on Saturday, August 8, at 9:00 a.m. — all ages and skill levels welcome.

🚌 Black Mountain Day Trip

Escape to the "Front Porch of Western North Carolina" on Thursday, August 13, for a day trip to Black Mountain, NC. RSVP by Sunday, August 9, to help finalize transportation.

🏗️ Sanctuary Renovation

Beginning Monday, August 24, through Sunday, September 20, our Sanctuary will be under construction for new engineered flooring and relocation of the baptismal font, organ console, and instruments — approved by the congregation at the July 19 called meeting.

Worship will move to the Dutch Meeting Hall during this time. Please stay out of the construction zone for everyone's safety.

💰 Financial Investors' Presentations

As stewards of the Land Sale proceeds, the Finance Team will host four presentations on Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19, and 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dutch Meeting Hall.

🎒 August Project: Back to School

We're collecting backpacks and school supplies — pencils, loose-leaf paper, notebooks, and book bags — throughout August. (Note: drop-off location changes during the month — check the bulletin for the current spot!)

❤️ Stepping Out in Faith

Whether in Tryon, Peshkopi, or right here at home, this month reminds us that ministry rarely looks the way we expect — and that showing up, even reluctantly, is often where God does His deepest work.

"Christ Centered ~ Mission Driven ~ Traditionally Grounded ~ Congregationally Focused."

For full details — including Sunday School lessons, prayer list, birthdays, and more — download and read the full August newsletter.