Pastor’s Report September 2019
God’s grace in Jesus frees us to love the Lord and serve our neighbors. This is foundational to who we are as a church. The way we serve others is obvious when people visit and participate in the ministries of this church. There are so many stories of generosity here, and we want to continue to support ministry partners, kids, youth, and young adults, as well as people in need in our community. This is a big part of who we are, and central to sharing the heart of Christ in the heart of the city.
Our worship also shows who we are. Our new worship & music team will be working on refreshing our Sunday mornings here, with new music, liturgy, and prayer as we express our devotion to our gracious God. Having two worship services is vital to welcoming others and growing as a congregation. Music will still play an important role in our worship, and you are invited to come and share your voice and talents in worship. Think of it as another way to give to your church! We are blessed by these musical gifts!
Speaking of giving, our stewardship team is in need of more to join in and help as we work to enhance giving opportunities and an emphasis on God’s generosity here. Beginning this month, the stewardship team will meet just before the church council (at 5:30pm), on the third Wednesday of each month. Soon, members will receive a fall stewardship letter and pledge card in the mail. Our God provides, and we give thanks for all who give generously to support our ministry together at Reformation!
Being a congregation in Redevelopment means we don’t give up or get too comfortable, the Spirit is still moving and active here! We are still growing, still learning, and still listening to the needs of our neighbors. That means we can try new things, dedicate ourselves to following Christ together, and getting excited for what God will do next! Next month, we’ll meet as a congregation to recommit to being open to change and working together to a vital congregation in Las Vegas. We’ll be working on grant funding, discussing new opportunities to share our building, and to reach out where we live.
I look forward to beginning work with the church council and others on a new strategic plan for the congregation, in a renewed effort to focus on a well defined mission strategy. There are so many gifts to share in this faith community, and I want all to feel enabled and invited to serve in some way. My prayer is that we would continue to grow together in relationships, to come to worship, and to invite others to encounter God’s grace and mercy here, in our homes, workplaces, and in our city.
Recently I was able to give the invocation for at the Las Vegas City Council Meeting, hosted a new gathering of local clergy invested in serving our downtown area, and met up with pastors of the Colorado River Conference, and intern Lourdes Olson. I am serving to help plan the Bishop’s Convocation in Chandler, Arizona next month. I also serve as part of the synod’s New and Renewing Mission Team. Along with all of this, I have visited with many members in their homes (Wendell, Simuel, Dennis, Pete) and in the hospital (Betty S.), made phone calls to members, offered assistance (shoes, bus passes, and birth certificates). Confirmation Class began Sept. 12th. We have 5 students this year! I will perform a wedding on Oct. 3rd at Reformation and Oct. 12th at the Cosmopolitan (filling in for Rev. Michael Engfer).
Thank you for your leadership at Reformation. There are so many opportunities to love God, to serve together, and to be inspired here, because of your gifts and the ministries you support. This is a great (and interesting) time to be the church!
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
Leave a Reply