And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
Summer time in the church means a lot of ministry is happening, and while last year was an exception – we finally seem to be ramping up for more interaction, more service, and more fellowship!
We’re getting ready for the return of Vacation Bible School at Reformation and expect to have about 12-15 kids involved, with adult and youth leaders stepping up to make a big difference here! Our theme is Rocky Railway: Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through! We are in need to Speaking of kids, I’m grateful to have two volunteers so far for Sunday morning supervision in the Adele Hansen family room. We need more helpers to make it possible for moms to be able to worship with us and for little kids to have a safe place to be during worship.
Our worship series on renewal finishes up next week, and we’ll begin a six week preaching series on the prophet Jeremiah. We wrapped up our Monday night book study on Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith on Memorial day. We really enjoyed the time together and will gather again after a summer break. I have also been participating in Simon’s Project, a monthly online meeting with others from around our synod that includes conversations on racism and the church in America. We have already had fruitful discussions, and have found helpful the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, which we will be discussing together soon.
Torre Fuerte Church plans to resume worship here on our campus beginning Friday evening July 2. They hold a small prayer meeting in the sanctuary Friday evening and have their main worship service in Edwins Hall Saturday at 9am, with youth worship in the Sanctuary Saturday evenings. They finish up about 6pm. Satauro Samoan Church is worshipping Sunday afternoons in the sanctuary. They will worship early (11:30am) on 6/20, Father’s Day. Our Recovery groups (AA) are hoping to hold more celebrations and potlucks soon.
Weddings are back! I will preside at a wedding at Tahiti Village on Thursday, 6/17, and on 6/20 Reformation will host the marriage of Deneen Sutton (mother of Elliot Butler) and Tony Bergey (Pastor Matt to officiate).
Fellowship is something many of us are still missing. It is my hope that we can bring back coffee time after worship in the weeks to come. Pizza Club will return this fall. I’m grateful to hear when church members gather together or pitch in to help one another out. We all need more time together to build and grow relationships.
Our staff has really stepped up their work as we have moved into the sanctuary. Alfred Rael has gone above and beyond as our custodian, Mary is on top of our financials, as well as providing a welcoming face and voice when people drop in or call the church. Marissa is doing new and innovative things with our youth, and Pastor Matt has led Bible study with creativity and insight, as well as always sharing the good news of Jesus.
As we get ready to welcome new council members, I just want to add a word of thanks for all of you who dedicate your time and energy to helping serve the church in this way, and a special thanks to James Stover who has been on council for six years! You are greatly appreciated, and your help with our property issues will still be needed!
While I long to see more of our people in person and return to visitation, it continues to be a joy to be in ministry with you all.
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
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