Keep Shining!

“We love this church.” “You can feel a Spirit of love here.” “We are so glad we found this place.” These are actual statements that I, and others have heard from visitors to our church. They are also statements with which I whole-heartedly agree. God has called us to be a church that loves him and others, through service, evangelism, and discipleship. These aren’t just slogans, they are who we are. It is in our DNA.

This doesn’t guarantee we won’t have tough seasons, that God won’t ask a lot from us, or that we won’t have to make sacrifices. It means that we can do all this, and more, with the joy that comes from being blessed by the God we love and serve.

In the coming weeks, you will be presented with continued opportunities to show, share, and grow in God’s love. Some of them will be planned, programmatic opportunities that are on our calendar; others will likely “spring up” from acute needs in surrounding communities. I have no doubt that you all will “show up” for all of these things. Your willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus blesses me more than I could convey in words.

Here’s my encouragement, as you do this: 1. Remember WHO you are doing it for. 2. Remember WHY you are doing it. Jesus gives us the “who” and “why” for all we do. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16).

Thank you for all the ways you shine, in a dark and hurting world.

Blessings,

Pastor Matt