Dear people of Bethlehem,
As the fall approaches, we turn our attention from the relaxation and renewal of summer, to school schedules, renewed work commitments, and a busy schedule at church as well. Learning Circles is beginning, our stewardship focus begins in October, the budget is being created, and Confirmation and Reformation Sundays are before us. But on Sunday, Sept. 15th, we will gather for one of our most gifting and joyous days — Bethlehem Serves. Once a year, we come together to see just how much good we can do in the world, as a congregation, in 3 hours. And every year we try to outdo ourselves. What a witness!
It is important, as a congregation, to be clear about our calling, lest we become worried and distracted by many things, as Jesus said to Martha. Our center must always be the cross and our proclamation of the grace and love of God for all people. Secondly, we gather to worship and sing and pray, that we might welcome everyone to the grace of God, regardless of where they are on their journey. Finally, we are called to go into the world and serve in Jesus name. We feed hungry people, make backpacks for children, support our local domestic violence center, clean up our beaches, and so much more.
My thanks to all of you, for your part in it all. My abundant thanks to Mona Goetsch and Jana Hegg for overseeing Bethlehem serves so capably. Jana shared this story with me. As she walked out of a store a few days ago carrying 200 notebooks for the backpacks we will be creating, Jana was stopped by a woman in the parking lot. Her name was Sue. Sue asked, “Are you a teacher?” Jana said, “I’m a retired teacher, but I am doing this for my church.” And she described what we were doing. Sue said, “I’m a part of a church too!” And she handed Jana 20 dollars. Jana said, “She made my day. We talked for a long time. This is what the church looks like.”
I agree. This is what the church looks like. We who live our lives in God’s grace. We are not the Lions Club or a social service agency. We are a people gathered around the cross. Not just one congregation, but many expressions of faith. We are the recipients of unmerited grace and we are called to carry that grace as far as we can. This week from a Walmart parking lot, to Bethlehem, Encinitas, to a backpack that will reach a child on the other side of the world.
In this fast paced culture, it is easy to be worried and distracted by many things. Let us not be distracted, but rather know where we stand and in whose hands we are held. May grace be yours this day. May hope be yours today. May you find opportunity to give both away, in Jesus name.
In Christ, Pastor Laura