“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”-Colossians 3:23-24
A mother went into her son’s bedroom on Sunday morning and said, “Wake up, son! It’s time to get ready for church.”
The son pulled the covers over his head and mumbled, “I’m not going today. Give me two good reasons why I should.”
The mother stood at the foot of the bed, crossed her arms, and said, “Well, first, you’re forty-five years old. And second, you’re the pastor!”
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
While I promise I won’t be hiding under the covers this Sunday, that little story does remind me just how much every single person matters to our faith community. As the autumn leaves begin to turn, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for all the wonderful ways God’s Spirit is moving in our congregation. I want to say a profound thanks to everyone who said “yes” when approached by the Nominating Committee about serving in our various ministry and leadership positions for the coming year. Your willingness to step forward and lead ensures that our church remains a vibrant, healthy, and deeply rooted community. Thank you for your faithful hearts.
Looking ahead, we will again launch our annual Stewardship Campaign this November. Stewardship is not simply about keeping the lights on; it’s an act of worship and an expression of trust. We deeply appreciate the careful discernment that each of you gives to how much you contribute of your time, talent, and treasure. Every gift, no matter the size, fuels our shared mission to love and serve our neighbors.
Finally, as we prepare for this important season, we need to remember that our greatest asset that we can share with each other is our presence. We very much need to have as many people in the pews each Sunday morning as we can. A fuller sanctuary creates a vibrant energy, but more importantly, it provides the best and warmest welcome when visitors join us. To help us foster this culture of radical hospitality, please arrive a bit early if possible, and linger as you can after the benediction to meet and greet new faces. Your warm smile or kind word could be exactly what a visitor needs to feel at home. I promise to get myself up and out of bed early too (and I won’t wait for my Mom to shame me into it!); so let’s make a shared commitment to be there for one another and for those walking through our doors for the first time.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness, your generosity, and your presence. I look forward to seeking God’s heart alongside you this month.
Peace,
Pastor Layne
