Do you know this children\u2019s song\/story about the adventure of walking through an unknown place where sounds and sights can be both frightening and very fun?! The end always reminds us that there IS a safe place to run to and that when you share the adventure with others it\u2019s not nearly as scary.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m sharing this story with you for two reasons:<\/p>\n
First, it\u2019s a new year and thus a new opportunity to venture into each day with anticipation and hope (and yes, a healthy dose of fear as well).\u00a0 We will each face both the planned and unexpected personally and professionally and I believe that by faith (as it is written in the children\u2019s story and the Bible) we are strengthened by [God], one another and the mutual sharing of our journey through this life.\u00a0 We have quite a bit of fun as we worship, minister and bring God\u2019s presence to life in our church, our neighborhood, our work places and living spaces and out into the world in mission and service.\u00a0 That\u2019s because God\u2019s joy is present as we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain us \u2013 we realize, accept and welcome God-with-us, Emmanuel, and we decide together to eagerly journey to the starlight of Christ Jesus\u2019 who teaches us to shine God\u2019s love wherever we go.\u00a0 Additionally, we are often complimented by visitors and new friends for the experience of welcome and inclusion that we foster in our community of faith.\u00a0 People are looking for support in times of fear and friends for the celebrations in their lives.<\/p>\n
Let us continue to offer openness with sincerity and intention in 2012.<\/p>\n
Let us extend the hand of Christian fellowship and the heart of God\u2019s justice for all people as the Spirit moves us in 2012.<\/p>\n
Let us create and fill new space with new faces who desire a relationship with God and a community that believes that the joy IS in the journey in 2012!<\/p>\n
The second reason for sharing the bear hunt story with you is because I\u2019m going on a trip!\u00a0 Initiated by the grace-filled invitation of Leo Cigale over two years ago, I have been selected along with 45 other clergy from across the country to go on a spiritual journey to the Holy Land in February 2012.\u00a0 The Knight\u2019s Templar have offered clergy this opportunity for a number of years and it is a very special honor to have been nominated and now selected to participate in this special pilgrimage.\u00a0 I look forward to it with an honest fear and a deep hope for fun (and faith building) as this will be my very first trip abroad.\u00a0 I go, knowing that God\u2019s presence, through the Spirit, will continue to sustain and surprise me.\u00a0 And, it won\u2019t be as scary as I might think because I am blessed knowing that I will always have with me the love and safety that God and each of YOU offers me! Thanks be to God!<\/p>\n
Peace be with each of you,
\nPastor Kelly<\/p>\n
P.S.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to share my adventure in February on Facebook so sign up and friend the church page!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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