August 2026
“Ordinary Days, Extraordinary Grace”
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Does anyone know which color we use most often for our altar cloths and banners? Yes, it is green.
When we see the green altar cloth and banners in our churches, we are reminded that we are in the season called Ordinary Time according to the Christian lectionary. The color green represents growth, life, and the ongoing journey of faith as we continue to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Christian lectionary begins with the first Sunday of Advent, a season of waiting and preparing for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Then we celebrate Christmas and the season of Christmas, followed by Epiphany. After a short period of Ordinary Time, we enter the season of Transfiguration, Ash Wednesday, and the journey of Lent. We walk with Jesus through Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and the season of Easter, celebrating His resurrection and victory over death. Then comes Pentecost, and we enter into the long journey of Ordinary Time.
Have you noticed that we are now in the middle of this long season of green? During this season, the church invites us to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus in the everyday moments of life.
The word ordinary may sound like something simple or unimportant. However, in the Christian faith, ordinary does not mean meaningless. Ordinary Time reminds us that most of our lives are lived not in extraordinary moments, but in the daily rhythms of work, family, relationships, service, and worship.
Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry in ordinary places. He walked dusty roads, shared meals with friends, visited homes, blessed children, and noticed people whom others overlooked. He revealed God’s love not only through miracles but also through countless ordinary encounters filled with compassion and grace.
The same is true for us. God meets us in our ordinary days—in the garden we tend, the neighbor we help, the prayers we offer, the meals we share, the conversations around the fellowship table, the songs we sing in the choir, and the kindness we show to others. God is present when we volunteer in our community, prepare a meal, visit a friend, or gather for worship on Sunday morning.
These everyday moments become holy when they are offered to God with thankful hearts. When we live our daily lives in the name of Jesus, ordinary moments become opportunities to experience and share God’s extraordinary grace.
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Every ordinary task can become an act of worship when it is done with love, gratitude, and faithfulness.
As we continue our journey through this green season, may we open our hearts to notice God’s presence in the simple moments of each day. May our words and actions reflect Christ’s love, bringing hope, kindness, and encouragement to those around us. After all, an ordinary day lived with Jesus is never truly ordinary.
In Grace and Love,
Pastor Jenny