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Dear
Saints:
Since
coming to Saint Matthew two years ago, I have continued to hear
about the need to reach out in new ways to share the good news of
Jesus, and what he's doing in our midst. It's obvious that you have a
hunger for mission, yet is hasn't always been easy to settle on ways
to implement it.
May
I suggest one way? Worship. That's right. Worship. But not your
usual, traditional, Lutheran style of worship. We do that very well.
We're talking about "new" ways here—new ways, at
least, for us.
Some
of you have expressed a desire to spread your "worship
wings" a little—to loosen up a bit and experiment to some
degree with a new format—a different approach to worship that,
hopefully, will reach some folks we currently aren't reaching.
Call
it outreach. Call it evangelism. Call it ministry. Call it whatever
you wish. But, it stems from a heart-felt desire to share God's
transforming grace and forgiveness with those who might otherwise
feel intimidated by our traditional Sunday worship. And, believe it
or not, there are some who are - people, for instance, who have never
participated in a "liturgical" service.
For
some, Sunday mornings may just not be a good time to attend church.
Still others may not have a personality that matches up well with the
"Lutheran" style of worship, yet are longing for a place to
belong, where, where they may "fit in"—a place where
they may both receive and give—a place where authentic Christian
fellowship may be experienced without all the religious trappings.
Currently,
we're meeting to snack, sing, play, pray, and plan with the
expectation that, with God's guidance, we'll be able to create just
such a place. We're in particular need of people who can play a
musical instrument—especially guitar and keyboard. We could use
a percussionist, too! Won't you join us? Our next gathering will be
Saturday, May 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. See you there!
Blessings,
Pastor
Larry |
