A welcoming place

What are your feelings of church? 

Is a a place of comfort and vulnerability, or is it a place of rejection and judgment?  

I can't tell you how many people I talk to who just can't bring themselves to church. "You don't want people like me there..." "I wouldn't fit in." "The place will get struck by lightning!" For so many of these individuals, church is a place of judgment. They see a group of people who want to look down on others or pretend that they are somehow better. It's amazing how this mentality crept into our world, because it is so different from the church that Jesus offered.

Jesus came to our world and welcomed everyone. He made fisherman, tax collectors, and religious leaders all feel like they belonged. The church was a place for everyone. More than that, each of these people had gifts that Jesus cared about. He wanted to send his followers into the world and share God's blessings. He believed we all have gifts to offer.

Personally, I am thankful the church has always welcomed me. Even when I was a child, I remember people greeting me with a smile, offering me a job, and encouraging me when I needed support. I think we all need places like this. I can't imagine raising my kids in a world where they couldn't be vulnerable. Sure, there are moments when we pretend we are something that we are not... but this isn't healthy. It's certainly not good to live our lives this way. 

When Jesus invited us to have a seat at the table, he wasn't just welcoming the perfect people. He was welcoming us just as we are. Today I hope we can be a church that offers love to all people. I hope we can find ways to share the wonderful gifts that we have. I hope we can all choose to love and welcome the stranger.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian

A new journey...

It is back to school week in Clark County, and that means I now have a Fourth grader and a Kindergartener. I know it sounds cliche to talk about, "kids growing up too fast," but it is so true. Just a few years ago, I was in the midst of changing diapers and waking up at all hours of the night. (Yes... I know in a few weeks I will be starting all of this over again!) However, it is amazing to watch kids grow. They are taking in so much, and it is pretty incredible to watch these milestones take place. 

On Monday morning we got to school extra early to say goodbye to both of our kids. Years ago, when we dropped our oldest son off for the first time, it was right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. We had to give him a hug at the gate and watch him walk up to the new school by himself. This time we were able to enter the school grounds and make sure our kindergartener was all lined up correctly. Immediately, he saw his friend who lives across the street. They started to play together, and when the teacher called, they lined up and went inside. As parents, all we could really do was watch. They teachers all seem amazing, but it is still strange to let go. For so many years we did everything for them. Now it is time for them to begin a new chapter. 

Before the end of the school day, we had neighbors who worked at the school texting us saying that our kids were doing fine. They were laughing and saying, "Hi!" to everybody. In the end, I have to realize it is important to let go...

Our sermon series at CLC is looking deeper at the Old Testament book of Ruth. This ancient text tells the story of two ordinary women who opened their hearts and trusted God. They never experienced any supernatural miracles, but they did follow the Spirit. When their lives took an unexpected turn, they learned to trust in God. Christ is still present in our world today, we just have to get out of the way and allow God to work.

Today I hope you can all let go of any baggage in life that is holding you back. I hope you can find new ways to let go and trust the Holy Spirit. Life may become difficult at times, but God is calling you to believe in something new and wonderful.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian