By Pastor Devlyn Brooks
Dear Faith Family …
What a difference a year makes! Right, Faith Family?
This week I had the opportunity to look back on where we were as a church going into August 2023.
Sure, we were gearing up for Rally Sunday to come later in September, just as we are this year, but I can vividly remember the pervasive question hanging over our heads last year.
And that question was: What’s next for our church?
Do you remember those days?
Back before we participated in the Rural Revival process?
Back before we created a “Faith Forward” team?
Back before we had a summer full of community outreach events planned?
Back before we met with the Wolverton City Council and found an ally?
Back before a new business opened across the street and gave us a partner in community building?
What a difference a year makes, indeed!
Between the Tuesday Food Truck events, the Wednesday night worship services, and our LYO group heading off to New Orleans for the tri-annual National Youth Gathering … well, frankly, this summer has been a bit dizzying! … But in such a satisfying way!
There is a buzz reverberating throughout our church this summer, Faith Family! And it feels so joyful! … I pray that you feel it too!
Does that mean all of the work is done? … Not by any chance! We’re actually just getting started in figuring out who we are as a faith community and what our ongoing outreach to the community looks like. But it’s important to celebrate wins, big and small! And we’ve scored some wins to indeed take note of!
It’s also important to give praise where it’s due, and there are a few folks that I want to thank for helping to make this summer so special.
First off, thank you to the folks who have committed to participating on the “Faith Forward” committee. The infrastructure you have laid for the new look to what church will be here at FLC is vital! Thank you!
Second, I want to send out a big shout out to Lisa Keavney for her work to organize, coordinate and manage the Food Truck Tuesdays this summer! What a hit they’ve been! And what a special opportunity they have provided us to connect with our community! Thank you!
Third, I want to send out a second shout out to all of the LYO parents who helped make the LYO’s trip to the National Youth Gathering possible. The money they raised in 10 short months is staggering, and they did so by coordinating many entertaining events for our congregation and community! Thank you all!
Finally, I also owe a debt of gratitude to Deb Smith, Lanette Nord and Shelley Brooks for joining the youth group in its trip to New Orleans. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without your guidance and presence! Thank you!
Faith Family … I’m extremely joyful and optimistic about where we are headed as a church as we prepare for this year’s Rally Sunday on Sept. 8, and we kickoff our regular church year. Such a different feeling than where we were a year ago!
If someone asked me today where I see the Holy Spirit active, I could genuinely respond that I see her active here at Faith Lutheran as we write a new chapter! And I pray you feel the same!
Blessings to you this August, Faith Family! ... See you in church!
コメント