PJ’s Page –
At our August Council meeting, Raj shared a devotion that reminded him and us that there are many exciting new ministries being birthed in this place! The months ahead surely hold much to be excited about….groundbreaking for 59 units of affordable housing for families, the ministry of our intern, Vicar Laura, some major work on the building, including a considerable amount of deferred maintenance, creation of a fellowship hall space, replacement of a beam in the sanctuary and replacing the floor in the sanctuary. At the same time, we are taking a deep dive into areas of programming….worship, ministry to youth and children, Bible study, and ecumenical relationships are just a few places we feel God calling us.
Raj’s devotion reminded us that we are called by God to step forward in boldness and courage, following Christ and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Discipleship is not about sitting still or staying silent.
But change is never easy. Maybe you’ve heard the old joke:
How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb?
Change?????
My internship supervisor, the Rev. Roger Quay, used to remind us that the clinical definition of death is “no change.” Unless we change, we do not move forward. When we remain as we are we do not become who God is calling us to be.
The people around Jesus during his ministry were most often both terrified and excited. Following Jesus meant new ways of being in the world . It meant a change from the “way they’d always done it” in ways bigger than they could imagine. But more importantly, it meant trusting Jesus when the way did not seem clear and when all hope seemed gone. Even at the foot of the cross.
In this season of much change I commit to you, as your pastor and your council, that we will receive your questions and concerns with great care. When you have a question or concern, please ask one of us! Call me and let’s get a cup of coffee and talk things over.
Soon we will offer a series of gatherings to talk together in small groups so that you can hear in direct ways what is happening in the life of the congregation (New buildings! New flooring! Parking! Worship!) Watch for your invitation to participate and then plan to be present.
Finally, as summer comes to an end and we re-form as the community of faith at Luther Memorial, I encourage you to make regular worship a part of your weekly rhythm. To live as disciples means we need to gather together in community, hear the story of God, find ourselves in that story, and worship the One who calls and claims us.
See you in church!
Pastor Julie Hutson+