Our 300th Anniversary: Invite, Participate, and Celebrate
At our retreat at Cross Roads, the Church Council decided that three themes will guide our work and ministry during our anniversary year. Those themes will be invite, participate, and celebrate. All three are major themes found in the Bible and all three are connected. The journey of faith always begins with an invitation, that invitation leads to participation, and that participation leads to celebration.
INVITE: John 1:46 – “Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
The journey begins with an invitation. This year, we are asking people to invite others to the life of faith. That invitation can be to worship, but it can also be one to the Book of Faith or Women of Zion or VBS or a Parish Life event. What is important is the invitation, “come and see.” God will take care of the rest. In our own journey, I’m sure we can remember someone who extended an invitation to us into the larger life of faith. This year, we are asking you to do the inviting.
PARTICIPATE: Luke 9:23 – The Jesus said to them all, “If any want to become my follow- ers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
The journey of faith is not a spectator sport. Jesus makes that very clear. Following Jesus is about participation. This year, we are asking people to find ways to participate in the life and ministry of Zion. The opportunities are there. Do you want to serve? Do you want to study? Do you want to worship? Do you want to sing? Do you want to join others? There are opportunities each and every week. This anniversary year, in particular, there will be additional ways to participate.
CELEBRATE: John 10:10 – “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
The journey of faith leads to celebration. At times, the journey can be demanding and challenging, but the witness of the church is that everyone who makes the journey would not have it any other way. The journey is a joy. I am coming to understand that witness. Some of the greatest joys of my life are connected to my faith journey`. A short list includes preaching the gospel, bringing that tractor trailer of goods to Slidell, LA, baptizing the children of our congregation, serving food at Faith Kitchen, rejoicing with our young people at the National Youth Gathering, singing with the students at Matheny, and wrestling with the faith with our confirmation class. I have tasted that abundant life and I invite others to come, participate, and know that joy.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
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