Below read Pastor Andrew’s December letter to the congregation. Follow up with more from the December newsletter and previous newsletters. Also visit the calendar page to know more about events at Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus, Wisconsin.
Advent blessings to you, Faith!
As we come into this final month of the calendar year, we come into the beginning of the church year. Advent brings the expectation of entering again into the story of God dwelling with us. While I often suggest the liturgical cycle can function in our spiritual lives as a tool for grounding our story in the story of God with us, and so we should resist the temptation to look beyond the current season, I want to use encourage you this month to look ahead to our next year here at Faith.
To begin, let me say an encouraging word about this past year: we are growing. Now, to be sure, this growth has been modest and mostly inconspicuous, but it is there, and it is infused with the movement of the Spirit in this place – thanks be to God. However, this growth means (hopefully), a continued growth into next year, which means we ought to note a couple of areas that could use some strengthening as we continue to move with the Spirit.
Coming into next year, I’m looking for some members to help join a couple of teams that will be forming to address these areas. The first team will be focusing on our worship over the next 3-5 years. You have perhaps heard the issues with our organ on a Sunday, or are aware that our sound system is aged and will need updating soon, or you may know that while we love our music director, Lisa, we cannot expect her to be around forever.
Suffice to say, within the next five years, our worship could end up looking different in some ways than it does today. Therefore, this team will be a part of a multi-year process to help our congregation discern what choices we have, and which choices we are wanting to explore further.
Secondly, you may have noticed how at times we have a couple new faces in our sanctuary on a Sunday, and then those faces seem to disappear quite suddenly. While I recognize that our church is not going to be a good fit for all who come in (though all are welcome), I also feel strongly we can be doing more to help our visitors feel that welcome that God has extended to us. We often don’t realize the power of genuine welcome until we find ourselves in a place where we are uncertain we will receive it — may we be a place where all who enter truly find that welcome. Therefore, this second team will focus on our hospitality to visitors and new members. Considering how we might help all who come feel welcome and empowered to be members in this body of Christ.
If you are curious about either of these teams, reach out to me. For there is growth, there is potential for more growth, there is opportunity to witness to Columbus that God is here.
May the Spirit enliven our hearts to see the coming of Christ.
Pr. Andrew