We had a joyful Easter morning! — Laughter, singing, and a glorious splashing of water as we re-membered our baptismal promises. We re-membered our commitments to walk in the way of Jesus, as water sprayed around and ran over our hands and faces. One of my favorite liturgical reminders that we are baptized not once, but daily, into fulfilling Jesus’ promises, helping to build the kindom that God creates here on earth.
Speaking of baptismal waters and building kindoms, the poet Rumi once said, “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” I wonder if this isn’t part of the shape of resurrection — learning to listen carefully, shedding the tears that need to be shed, and stepping bravely into new life, however unfamiliar or even empty it may feel.
In that spirit, about 25 of us gathered at the end of April with Evan Moilan, our GSB consultant, and soon-to-be Gulf Coast Bishop Emeritus Mike Rhinehart, for a community listening session in Charter Hall. Thank you to each of you who participated — you showed up with open hearts and honest words, sharing your hopes, worries, and dreams for Faith Lutheran. We thought deeply about our strengths and needs, where we shine, where we ache, and where the Spirit might be waving for us to come and play along.
The Strategic Planning Committee is hard at work. We will meet again in early May to review the results of our congregational survey and a summary of everything we shared in our listening session. The next steps will bring us into conversation with community leaders, as we learn more about the real gaps and opportunities around us. As always, we’ll keep you posted and invite your prayers as we continue this journey of discernment.
Finally, I’m considering starting a little regular gathering I’d like to call the Co-Creator’s Collective — Maybe an hour or two every other week for anyone who wants to dabble in art, sip a cup of something good, share a snack, and simply enjoy one another’s company to come together. No skills required, just a willingness to have some fun and love one another. If this sounds like something your heart might need, let me know. I’d love to get this going and gather with you.
with joy,
– Intern Pastor Sam