A Message from Ellen 11-8-23
November 8, 2023
November 8, 2023
Dear Friends,
When I look around FLPC and when I read the announcements in the bulletin each Sunday, I am constantly amazed at the good work that is happening – as a matter of routine – in and through this congregation. The good that flows from this congregation is non-stop. A minister friend of mine recently snuck into worship one Sunday, and as she left, she said, “Wow! The energy in this place is so welcoming and energizing.”
I have been teaching Officer Training every Sunday morning before worship for the Elders and Deacons that you elected to serve (they will be ordained and installed in January). And it is a strong and amazing group of folks. Some have been members of FLPC for a long time, others are pretty new to our community, but all of them are energized and excited about what it means to lead a congregation in following Jesus. I get energy from that group of people. FLPC is as strong as it is because of the high caliber of leadership in this place. People say “yes” when the Congregational Nominating Committee ask them to serve as Elders or Deacons. If that were not so, our community of faith would not be so strong, healthy, or active. So, say a prayer of thanksgiving for our current and new Elders and Deacons. And if the Congregational Nominating Committee calls you next year to consider serving, please be open to how God may use you in this place.
We often say that “faith” is an action word. Jesus said, “pick up your cross and follow me.” So, I want to invite you to ask yourself, “Am I doing what I want/need to do to follow Jesus and to grow in my faith?” Maybe you need to sign up to read the Bible in a year to grow in your discipleship. Maybe you need to pick a new place to serve others to grow in your faith. Service can be helping to set up or clean up communion, teaching (we always learn more when we teach!), serving on a committee, or showing up for Decker Collective service events. No one must do everything, but every one of us needs to do something to walk in our faith. What do YOU need to grow? Where does your faith feel most alive? What kinds of events, commitments, or practices challenge you to grow in your ability to live as a person who loves Jesus?
Your church staff are always trying to think of ways to invite you into the life and mission of this congregation. If you want help figuring out what you need to do to grow in your faith, or if you know what you’d like to do, but don’t know how to get there, please contact Jodi Beckham, me, or Ed Black. We want you to feel the energizing, grace-full energy of the God who already knows you, loves you, and claims you. Let us know how to help you in your own walk of faith.
If you are not already doing so, I invite you to “lean in!”
See you in worship.
Ellen
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