The ministries of a congregation are often determined by the gifts of those in the congregation. A good indication of what God is calling us to is what God has equipped us for! For this reason, we can always expect that our life together will change and grow in different ways over the years, as we ourselves change and grow. The longer we have been a part of this congregation, we have probably seen a lot of changes! And if we are new to this congregation, we can expect that our very presence will change LCOH because we have our own gifts and callings to offer from God.
We are experiencing change and growth at Lutheran Church of Hope and this year’s theme has been “Called and Appointed.” We want to explore together more and more what God is calling us to. This may mean new ministries or it may mean a renewal in ministries that already exist. I would like to highlight some areas that we may need to discern together and that you may consider if God is calling you to get involved:
1. Children and Youth Ministry: So much has shifted for us since the pandemic. We no longer have Sunday School during the service. Our kids in Heavenly Sunshine have grown up and are now in Confirmation. We are currently working on an area in the sanctuary (a “prayground”) for our littlest ones, but how else might we serve and minister to our children and young people? This is a part of our commitment to them when they are baptized. Is this something God is calling you to?
2. Providing meals at Clare House: This ministry has occurred for a long time, but in recent years it has struggled to have enough volunteers. In its current setup, it is a big job for one person to sign up to provide a meal, but there may be possibilities for someone to organize the job so that it is shared by many people. How can we make this a sustainable ministry? Or is it no longer a ministry we are called to do?
3. Community Organizing: LCOH has been a part of AFACT (Anchorage Faith & Action Congregations Together) for a long time. This organization has now merged with another to form JOIN (Justice Organizing Interfaith Network). This is an excellent way to get involved in our community and to engage in God’s calling to “do justice.” Are you interested in participating in a team to listen, learn and address the needs of our neighbors?
4. Artistry, Creativity, Crafts: In the past, we have had sewing circles and quilting groups. There may be new interest in forming groups to learn and practice these skills. Are you interested in such a group? Would you participate or help to lead?
In addition to these areas, there are so many other aspects of our lives together! They fill the pages of this newsletter. And there may be new projects, groups or ministries that the Spirit has been placing on your mind and heart. There may be others who are experiencing the same promptings! We can pray about it together and follow the Spirit’s lead as we change and grow together.
Let’s start and continue a conversation together: What needs to rest or end? What needs attention and fertilization? What is growing with abundance? What do we see God doing in our midst? How can we get involved?
Peace,
Pastor Liz
We are experiencing change and growth at Lutheran Church of Hope and this year’s theme has been “Called and Appointed.” We want to explore together more and more what God is calling us to. This may mean new ministries or it may mean a renewal in ministries that already exist. I would like to highlight some areas that we may need to discern together and that you may consider if God is calling you to get involved:
1. Children and Youth Ministry: So much has shifted for us since the pandemic. We no longer have Sunday School during the service. Our kids in Heavenly Sunshine have grown up and are now in Confirmation. We are currently working on an area in the sanctuary (a “prayground”) for our littlest ones, but how else might we serve and minister to our children and young people? This is a part of our commitment to them when they are baptized. Is this something God is calling you to?
2. Providing meals at Clare House: This ministry has occurred for a long time, but in recent years it has struggled to have enough volunteers. In its current setup, it is a big job for one person to sign up to provide a meal, but there may be possibilities for someone to organize the job so that it is shared by many people. How can we make this a sustainable ministry? Or is it no longer a ministry we are called to do?
3. Community Organizing: LCOH has been a part of AFACT (Anchorage Faith & Action Congregations Together) for a long time. This organization has now merged with another to form JOIN (Justice Organizing Interfaith Network). This is an excellent way to get involved in our community and to engage in God’s calling to “do justice.” Are you interested in participating in a team to listen, learn and address the needs of our neighbors?
4. Artistry, Creativity, Crafts: In the past, we have had sewing circles and quilting groups. There may be new interest in forming groups to learn and practice these skills. Are you interested in such a group? Would you participate or help to lead?
In addition to these areas, there are so many other aspects of our lives together! They fill the pages of this newsletter. And there may be new projects, groups or ministries that the Spirit has been placing on your mind and heart. There may be others who are experiencing the same promptings! We can pray about it together and follow the Spirit’s lead as we change and grow together.
Let’s start and continue a conversation together: What needs to rest or end? What needs attention and fertilization? What is growing with abundance? What do we see God doing in our midst? How can we get involved?
Peace,
Pastor Liz
RSS Feed