Summer is winging by, and the process toward reestablishing ourselves on site – not so much. We continue to have the opportunity to practice patience and trust. How’s that going for you? 😄
In recent weeks the Restoration Team has been learning more about how we can best move forward and potential timelines. When those advising us have clearcut reports to share, we will ask them to present what they advise and allow you to ask questions, at a congregational forum. If the consultants are unable to join us on a Sunday, we may need to arrange such a meeting for an evening or Saturday. Your flexibility is much appreciated.
And soon enough the structural engineer and architects we are contracting with will need guidance from us as well. They need to learn from us what our purpose is, our “why” to exist for and unique role to own in living out God’s mission of radical love, reconciliation, and healing for the world. Answers to questions about purpose and mission (when that mission is something actively and intentionally being lived) help our consultants come to know and understand us, to learn what they need to prioritize or what changes they need to consider if our building is to best serve us in our mission.
Recently at worship I asked you to start pondering the keywords you think would best identify our congregation if folks searched out churches on line. Please give it some thought, and send them in! And another task. A recent book I have been listening to, Churches and the Crisis of Deline: A hopeful practical ecclesiology for a secular age, by Andrew Root, describes the power that can come from the birthing of a “watchword” for a congregation. He asserts that a congregation’s watchword (word or phrase inspiring action) that is God-revealed or discovered communally by a congregation, not created or sought. Per internet search, a watchword is a rallying cry, or can be a motto/word guiding or moving a group (or person) to action. That has me wondering, what question, phrase, or maybe a guiding narrative from scripture might our watchword be? What will we discover together?
It was such a pleasure to share worship and a meal together in July. Let’s do the worship part again on Sept. 1! On August 25 we will worship with Immanuel at another joint worship service as Immanuel ends its sabbatical. Bishop Jaech will preach.
This coming program year, several area congregations are combining forces to offer a monthly collaborative confirmation experience on second Sundays, 2:00-5:00. Except in August. In August BSLC will host a kickoff event and orientation on the 18th, before we enjoy hotdogs and (?) together under the tent. Thanks to Bert for agreeing to be grillmaster!
And an update: As of Friday, August 2, we will have a temporary office on site! The mobile office will allow for in person drop ins, recreate an onsite presence, and offer space for meetings. With some help from a few of you, we can now reconfigure the dry boxes – using some of the furnishings to outfit the mobile office – and hopefully send one of them on its way.
Continuing on the journey,
Pastor Jean
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