This October, as we enjoy the cool, crisp air of fall and the glorious beauty of trees aflame with red and gold leaves, we are also aware that we continue to live through tough times.
We need more than ever to be people of prayer, faithful students of the Bible, a dedicated worshipping community, and committed missionaries of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ wherever we are called to serve.
Whatever situation we find ourselves in, God is with us to provide for our needs and unite us through the Holy Spirit. Despite our differences in personalities, opinions, and ideas, we have one thing in common: our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for God and God’s church.
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:7- 8
“Take on challenges so big that if they succeed, only God can take credit…The challenges should always be bigger than you…otherwise where do faith and trust come in?”
Carey Nieuwhof
Like Joshua, I feel like I am about to enter new territory. And as I take the steps toward it each day, sometimes faltering and sobbing as I go along, I try to listen to the words of Moses and find strength and courage to take on challenges that are “so big, that if they succeed, only God can take credit,” as Carey Nieuwhof, church growth consultant puts it.
And if they fail, God can still teach you and me a lesson or two. In fact, I now feel that I would rather fail while trying than never try at all.
Succeed or fail, a pastor is expected to have a vision. I am prayerfully working on that.
But I also believe that as a church, we need to come together and help the pastor “see” where God is at work and how we can participate and take on the significant challenges that I hope and pray will succeed and glorify God.
So I need your help. If you are reading this (I hope), please reach out to me by email or phone because I want to meet with you individually and have a heart-to-heart talk regarding what big challenge God is giving us as Jesus’ church here in the corner of Jackson and Centre streets; and yes, in virtual space via Facebook and Zoom.
In addition to individual conversations (perhaps over tea or coffee), on one Sunday in October, I would like to invite our children, youth, young adults, and our elders to bring to Pastor Dave’s memorial potluck luncheon, not just food for the body to share and enjoy; but also food for thought that can inspire us to dream big for God and use them to build a platform for greater service and ministry. We don’t have all the time in the world.
We have a choice to make: do we want to wait for things to happen, or do we make things happen with God’s power of love at work in each one of us?
God is faithful to all generations. May we be encouraged to be strong, bold, and faithful to God in this new season in our lives and ministry.
Have a Blessed, Healthy, and Safe Autumn!
Yours in Christ’s Love and Peace,
Pastor Carla
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