Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
We are learning every day. Picking up the Bible and reading scripture is central to learning who God is and who we are to God. Maybe you like to learn by reading all kinds of books, or listening to podcasts, or watching historical documentaries. We’ve learned from great teachers, and bad ones, too. We learn from our successes and failures. Maybe we learn a little as we listen to the Word proclaimed in worship. Hopefully we learn that we are loved, forgiven, and set free in Jesus.
Fall is always a time to focus on learning here at Living Hope. I am thrilled with the attendance we have seen for our Sunday Bible Study. We have had an average of 10 participate in conversation and theological reflection as Pastor Matt leads us through the book of Exodus. Our Sunday school group has been having a great time while Marissa is leading the youth through fun activities and building relationships in faith. Our confirmation class is meeting 5:30-7pm every other Wednesday with good participation from our 3 middle school students.
We learn as we serve our neighbors! We are in ongoing conversation with our Family Promise/Just Neighbors family, and they are doing well, working on moving into a new apartment! We look forward to helping with a meal and some housewarming gifts when moving day arrives. December will mark the end of my tenure on the Lutheran Social Services of Nevada Board of Directors. I will continue to maintain close contact with our friends and colleagues there, and I hear they’ve got some great new board members coming in.
We are learning as rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod! This week began with the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, online, Monday and Tuesday. Sunday evening myself and other conference deans participated in discussion with ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, and our Synod’s Bishop Deborah Hutterer. The convocation featured teaching on Hybrid Ministry by Ryan Panzer, who focused on intention and shared wisdom from Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle Model (Start With Why). We learned about new ways to keep our in-person gatherings connected to those who worship and share in ministry online. Living Hope member and Synod council leader Roger Bailey was in attendance, and we heard many good ideas, in addition to affirmation of many of the actions we have already taken here at our church.
We learn when we meet new people! We had a great time celebrating with our LGBTQIA+ community at Las Vegas Pride October 8-9th. Living Hope was represented by a small group at the parade Friday night, and more at the festival on Saturday. Our families and volunteers had many conversations with neighbors who were glad to find a welcoming and affirming community of faith.
We learn with seminarians! We were blessed to have Luther Seminary graduate Lourdes Olson preach on October 17th. I am serving this fall as mentor for another student at Luther Seminary. We have begun meeting twice monthly to discuss goals and ongoing learning. Do you know someone thinking about a call to ministry? Let me know.
We learn with leaders in the ELCA! I will also be leading two cohorts of Vital Congregations training with ELCA Churchwide leaders (online) in the Spring and Fall. In conversation with Directors for Evangelical Mission and others across the country, we will present best practices for leading faithful change in the church. These trainings will consist of 90 minute Zoom meetings taking place for four weeks, with evening or morning sessions available. Our congregational leaders are invited to take part. I’ll share more information soon.
In the weeks to come, we’ll be learning about how our offerings support and reach neighbors in our community, our nation, and our world. This season of stewardship will be a time to give thanks for all God has done in our lives, and to reflect on where we will serve in the year to come.
Thank you for sharing, leading, teaching, and learning here with us. Let’s keep it up! Thank you for the support and service, and prayers you give. Keep it coming! Thank you for walking with my family and I, and with one another as we listen to what God has to teach us every day. Keep the faith! Peace be with you.
Pastor Jason
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