The View from the Pulpit: July 25, 2018

Dear Fellow Members of Christ’s Family,

It is hard to believe, but the summer is more than half-way over, school will be starting in a little over a month, college students will be heading back to school in just a few weeks, our Pre-School and Child Development Center enrolling students for the Fall and beyond – and we are a church that continues to be alive in Christ and seeking to do His will, as we continue to be excited about the work He has given us!

I would like to share with you a portion of an article that I read.  It was entitled, “A Lively Church.”  In the article it describes what a lively church is like – and what a dead church looks like (maybe it is time to compare this to our congregation?):

  • a lively church has parking problems – a dead church doesn’t.
  • a lively church has lots of noisy children and young people – a dead church is fairly quiet.
  • a lively church often changes the way things are done – a dead church doesn’t.
  • a lively church often asks for more program and mission money – a dead church tries to keep plenty of money in the treasury.
  • a lively church asks people to open up and risk involvement – a dead church plays it safe and never risks.
  • a lively church sees challenges and opportunities – a dead church sees problems and dangers.
  • a lively church apologizes, forgives and seeks forgiveness – a dead church never makes mistakes.
  • a lively church uses its traditions and facilities to serve people – a dead church uses people to preserve facilities and traditions.
  • a lively church believes in God’s future and “lets go” with faith – a dead church believes in the past and “holds on.”
  • a lively church is filled with committed givers – a dead church is filled with tippers.
  • a lively church dares to dream great dreams for God Kingdom – a dead church has nightmares.

What does Resurrection sound like?  Are we a church that is alive and filled with the Spirit because we believe God to has called us to be in His Holy Word, and in His mission and ministry!  I thank God for all of you each day.  We are blessed because you have chosen to be a part of this ministry.  May we keep on dreaming as a church because

one day in the near future our dreams will be fulfilled!

May God continue to bless you as you seek to fulfill His mission and ministry!

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  [Matthew 28:18-20]

Tell   the   Good   News  about   Jesus!

Your Fellow Servant in Christ our Lord,

Pastor Hank Hollar