…The Journey Continues

 

We’ve just celebrated Pentecost Sunday and now begin the journey into the 2nd half of the church year, celebrating the stories of the faith. Perhaps the biggest miracle on that first Pentecost Sunday was that so many heard the good news of the Gospel in ways that they could understand, in their own language. In other words, with the Holy Spirit the story was communicated in different ways so it could be heard by many who hear things in different ways. I have a hunch that this summer, we’ll be hearing lots of stories from Jesus and other scripture writers and the challenge for us will be to hear them in our own way – and letting them shape our lives of faith. That’s the season of Pentecost…time for hearing, learning, and growth. After all, that’s the major reason why the church color for the season of Pentecost is green…just as the grass and the gardens grow, so too, do we.

 

We have a very busy summer here at Lutheran Church of Hope. On June 6th, we’ll be starting our outdoor worship service, occurring both on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month through September 5th. Also on June 6th, we’ll be hearing from Dr. Gary Kulick in person, as he will be presenting the feasibility report to the congregation immediately following worship.

 

Your church council, building team, strategic planning teams, and capital finance teams will be spending time in retreat in late June. The Council will be working on setting goals and priorities for the year ahead, and with the additional teams, be working through the results of the feasibility study, comparing and contrasting those results to the strategic plan, and begin the prayerful process of formulating recommendations to the congregation of our next big steps.

 

It’s important, however for us all to remember, the incredible miracle of Pentecost. Each person heard the good news in a way they could understand it. As leaders, it will be our responsibility to communicate, communicate, communicate. So far, since my arrival almost a year ago, we’ve done a fairly good job at doing so. It’s important to know that no major decisions will be made without offering the whole congregation opportunities for feedback and questions. As leaders, we will offer those forums and opportunities for you.

 

As members of the congregation, you also have a responsibility in this process. Listen, attend forums and other events where information and thoughts are being shared. Continue to dream! Continue to pray for this journey we are on together! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Watch your mail, email, the webpage, and certainly take home that church bulletin that has all kinds of good information about what’s happening at LCH.

 

So much is happening, and what a great thing for LCH! Hope in Jesus Christ is being renewed in the world because of this place. You are making a difference and as we strive to make a bigger impact of HOPE, we boldly ask for God’s guidance and counsel as together, we renew HOPE.

 

As you travel and/or vacation this summer, know our prayers are with you for safe travels, a renewing rest, and for a blessed homecoming. Don’t forget to go to church while you are away. Bring a bulletin back and share it with me. I’d love to hear where you’ve worshipped, and what’s happening in that place.

Thanks be to God for you.

PScott

Pr. Scott's Blog can be found at PScott's Blog