Author: Church Office

My goodness, there is a lot to read this month! As you page through this newsletter, you will find numerous activities, and ministries for you to be a part of in the coming months. I’m willing to suggest that there really is something for everyone in this edition.

A couple weeks ago, I offered an opportunity, some might say challenge, by asking who is going to step up next to participate in various aspects of our life here at Holy Spirit. I wonder who it will be.

But I can’t just leave a statement like, “who will step up” out there on its own. During the course of this season the adult Sunday School class will be studying ways to step up by digging deeper into the meaning of the five congregational themes of radical hospitality, passionate worship, extravagant generosity, risk taking mission and intentional faith formation. These classes will put some substance onto the call to “step up.”

And beginning on Wednesday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m. we will begin a new weekday morning Bible study small group (The Study in the Study). We’ll begin by discussing your hopes for such a class, and then set a plan for the group.

So keep reading. And step up. You’re activity is important and necessary for your proclamation of the Gospel.

 

Clifton D. Eshbach

Pastor

 

The except on our cover from Martin Luther’s treatise Concerning Christian Liberty highlights and reminds us that living a life according to Jesus (or as best we can replicate) is not a personal, solitary existence. Rather Luther appropriately reminds us that as Christ was called to serve, we too are called to serve each other, “…a Christian does not live in himself, but in Christ and in his neighbor…”

Luther was right on the mark with that statement. And I’m thinking of the truth of this statement particularly in terms of how the Holy Spirit community lives out that statement: first to the expression of the Gospel in the Lutheran tradition, and secondly how that same community provides for the ministries we have been called to participate in from year to year.

Times come when we must review how we contribute and participate in those ministries of this congregation. I’ve been thinking about this for myself, and I think it’s time all of us do so as well. I believe it comes down to some simple terms: Show Up and Step Up!

Show Up and Step Up means being present and active in the life of the congregation. Be present and involved at worship. Strive to grow through Christian education.  Increase how you contribute in both serving when asked and yes, in your weekly giving.  All of this is needed now in order to continue the ministry of Jesus from this place, and to further develop a congregational character that reflects how Luther envisioned Christian service and freedom.

Clifton D. Eshbach

Pastor