"Where Do We Go From
Here?"
Our Savior's final journey to Jerusalem began with the question
to his disciples: "Who do you say I am?" (Matt. 16:15).
Just before he went to the cross, he asked a similar question
of the Pharisees: "What do you think about the Christ?"
(Matt. 22:42). Essentially, the answers to those questions imply
action - that we be willing to do something. When Peter gave
his answer in Matthew 16 - "You are the Christ, Son of
the Living God," it was obvious that he was not yet willing
to "deny himself and take up his cross daily." He
was not willing to "think outside the box" - to act
on what it really meant that Jesus was the Messiah! LIkewise,
the Pharisees' narrowminded, self-centered response to Jesus
led to his crucifixion!
The questions of "Who is Jesus" and "What it
means to follow him" have certainly been on my mind as
part of my Lenten reflections, but also, as we have thought
about LMC's role in our changing community. It is an exciting
time to be a part of our church family; and, at the same time,
it is challenging to wrestle with our understanding of how we
live out our faith in this community. It will undoubtedly involve
"stretching" both as individuals and as a congregation.
We have embarked on a plan to hire a staff person for Youth
and Young Adult Ministry, and for Evangelism. In partnership
with Coalition for Christian Outreach, a college campus ministry,
this individual would also attempt to get Gettysburg College
students plugged into the life and ministry of LMC. Imagine
the opportunity to provide a church home away from home for
young men and women who miss their homes and families. At the
same time we would be able to tap their youthful energy and
enthusiasm, and their gifts for ministry. Meeting the needs
of young families in our community who are struggling with priorities,
values, and a secure environment in which to nurture their children,
will undoubtedly require us to "think outside the box."
It will require innovation and creativity. We do not want to
compete with other churches. We, at LMC, celebrate who we are
- a small family oriented church with a unique personality and
warmth that will attract some. The important think is that we
do our part in presenting God's "good news" embodied
in Jesus Christ.
In this world that offers more and more solutions to life's
problems with less and less real satisfaction, we have found
that a relationship with God made possible through surrender
to God's offer of love and grace at the cross - is the only
solution that satisfies. Our answers to "Who do you say
I am?" and "What do you think about Christ?"
will be communicated to our community in the days ahead through
the way we carry out our ministry in fulfilling God's mission.
I ask all of our members and friends to be in prayer about where
we go from here, and open to how God may lead us to stretch!
Pastor Dale E.
Williams
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