This Amazing Journey

When God shut a door on me a few months ago and it became apparent that Mark and I were leaving our church of 25 years, I had no idea what an amazing journey He would lead me on. I am so humbled and honored at the same time to be seeing his glory at work.

First, we started attending another Lutheran church in the area. I mentioned it in another blog post and going to Rejoice was wonderful. However, that's not where the journey ends.

A group of people that were leaving the old church met with the bishop and he gave us the go-ahead to start a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community and at that meeting a "Launch Team" was formed. I got on the launch team simply because I had my laptop and I was taking notes at that meeting. I am the note-taker for the Launch Team. It is simply amazing and awe-inspiring how the Holy Spirit formed our group and works with us. Everyone in the group has such a gift to give (ok -- my gift is just that I can type fast). We have financial people, insurance people, a great techie guy who set up a wonderful website, people who know how to find a place for worship, we have a person who knows people at the synod office and therefore, knows who to talk to about various things, organized people who can organize a meeting, -- it is simply amazing!

We even found a part-time pastor who is GREAT. He could be hired away at any time, but I am going to let the HS handle that. I found it is much better if I just get out of the way and let God work.

When I left the old church and said that I would be willing to help start a new one; I had friends and family who said -- oooh that is so hard to start a new church. Well it hasn't been hard; it has been such a joy to be part of this. I can't even put into words how awesome it has been to see how God uses each of our talents (that He gave us to begin with) to make something wonderful. One of the themes of the ELCA is "God's work, our hands". This is so true with this endeavor.

We had our first picnic/worship service a few weeks ago and had over 50 in attendance. We will start meeting regularly on August 15 and I can hardly wait.

I am so EXCITED. One of my friends on the launch team even changed my ringtone on her phone to the the song "I'm so Excited" by the Pointer Sisters. I think I'll change her ringtone on my phone to be the same.

My new church got its name because we wanted to emphasize that Grace is freely given by God to each of us -- the new church is Abiding Grace Lutheran Church. Come join us if you are in my area! We start worshiping on August 15!