Together...

Dear Family,

It has been two weeks since i posted my last blog, and i have missed this time. As much as it can be a chore, to write new words and thoughts, every week, i also find a lot of joy and fulfillment in the process. It enriches my soul to know, even if i cant see you read or engage in a conversation over what you read, that some are reading what i write. I like the small but powerful community we have created from this blog. I believe our future is bright and beautiful, not bleak.

It seems rather irresposible to speak of a future being bright and beautiful, when we are talking about the West Milton Church of the Brethren. I mean we did have less than thirty on Sunday, and that is, without question the lowest of the low, in attendance. I get really anxious when i see those numbers. I get a little ansy. But something overcomes me, quickly, reminding me to have hope, to live in faith, and to trust in our Creator. That's why i have hope. God is still here.

God has not abandoned us. God still runs after us. And God wants so much more for us. God knows where our journey leads, and He has all the faith in us to get there. God believes in us way more than we believe in Him or even ourselves. That's why i have hope. God is still working on our behalf. But how do we get there? How can we turn the corner to become that which God created us to be? How can we stop the seemingly downward spiral of attendance?

I dont have a clear sense of what those answers might be, but i do know this. If we can, like the letter for Sunday points to, go through this TOGETHER, then we can and will emerge more whole: as individuals and as a corporate unit. Together we can hear God speaking. Together we can stop the descent into the abyss of history. And together we will experience a nascent from our past into a brilliant future. TOGETHER God will rewrite our narrative. TOGETHER.

Alone, well we know where that leads. It got us to this point. So why keep it up? Its time to enter into ministry with breastplate of faith, the shield of love, the belt of unity, and the shoes of mission. When we embrace a life lived together for the benefits of the other in our communities, God will restore our church. No. More than that, He will create a new identity and creation out of us, one that is vibrant, lively, and healthy. So let's go. Lets get together and change the world.
Lets get together and change the course of history. And lets get together and change our own narrative as a body of believers. Let's get together and experience the Risen Lord. Amen.

Shalom,
jerry

PS just a reminder that our Christmas Eve Service starts at six thirty pm, at the church with a time of fellowship followed by worship at seven pm. The theme for worship: "Welcome to the Stable." Come and be fed. Come and be made whole. Come and experience Immanuel, but come together..