Learning everyday

Every person can be defined by their values. Every church also has values that matter deeply to the people of the congregation. Community Lutheran is taking some time to look at its core values. What does it mean to be a people of Welcome, Worship, Learning, Service, and Generosity?

This week, we will look at what it means to be a community that engages in learning. I think this is a very important topic in our world today. We live in a time when artificial intelligence can do so much for us. Students and adults alike can be tempted to stop thinking for themselves. Even more troubling, many people have stopped trusting their own reasoning.

I have spoken with a number of people who feel stressed out by the concerns of life. It is understandable to wish for a quick fix or something else that will do all the thinking for us. We constantly have to decide how to handle careers, money, family, and everything else. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that real help can come from a community of everyday believers turning to the ancient Word of Scripture. But there is something powerful about the Word being shared among ordinary people. The Holy Spirit is with us. We just have to open our eyes to see the Spirit at work.

I remember growing up in the church. I learned of the importance of faith. I was able to grow and flourish because I was surrounded by people who were passionate about teaching and growth. I remember my Sunday school teachers, who got to know me so well. I learned the importance of serving and loving others. I learned to trust others. I learned from mentors who gave me my first job and taught me to be a hard worker.

Today the world moves so fast, and people are looking for easy answers and quick fixes online. However, I believe it is essential to grow and learn alongside other people of faith. We can search the Scriptures together to grow in the light of Christ.

My hope is that we all learn a little more about God’s love this week, and that we grow as we walk with the Holy Spirit.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian

A Welcoming Church

Is there a place where you always feel welcome?

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting with a few members of our youth group, and we were talking about what it means to be welcomed. Some students felt they had a safe place. They talked about church, their homes, and their friends at school, places where they could be vulnerable and honest with the people around them. Others really seemed to struggle. Some had moved recently and were still trying to fit in. Others were being bullied at school and felt unable to be themselves.

We had a powerful conversation about what a faithful community looks like. I tried to express that everyone is always welcome in the church. But I think the best argument came from the students themselves. When one student told a struggling classmate that they had a place in the church and would always be welcome here, I felt the room totally change. I could see relief and a bit of joy wash over both of their faces.

It is so important to have a place where we feel accepted and loved. Scripture tells us, "Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God" (Romans 15:7). Welcoming is part of a pastor's job, but there needs to be more. The church need every member to welcome one another. We all have a role. We may not think we are needed, but the church is a place for everyone, and everyone has a part to play.

When I look at the world today, I see so much division. I worry about my own children. I see kids at school drawing lines, and I see adults finding reasons to hate one another. We all carry a lot of pain. This week, we will talk about what it means to be a church that welcomes others. The church needs to stand against hate and division, because we are a people of love. Jesus came into the world to offer something new. Instead of dismissing one another's gifts, we need to lift one another up.

My hope is that we all cherish the love that surrounds us, share the welcome of Christ, and embrace God's gift of grace.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian