Grateful for the Learning Curve...
by Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson
When friends and colleagues find out I've accepted a new call,
their first question is, "Where?" The answer is more than one
finite congregation or city. I explain Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Twin Cities as one church with two campuses, a structure and
identity that continues to unfold. I like to say that I have joined you at the end
of the beginning of this process. When they ask how it's going, I confess that
I love the front end of a learning curve. I'm meeting new people and learning
new systems, but so are all of you! It's clear that our leaders and members are
passionate about taking bold risks and welcome the vulnerability that comes
with transformation because the Holy Spirit is guiding us forward.
I am grateful for the feelings and stories you've shared with me about your
personal experience of this learning curve and the hope we share about
what comes next. These conversations have inspired fall programming at the
Minnetonka campus. Minnetonka Wednesdays will include food, music, and
study to fuel those who are already here for the call to invite and welcome well.
Sunday School will be called Echo, since children spend most of the service in
worship with their families, but are invited to the narthex during the sermon and
prayers for tactile curriculum based on the same story. Echo celebrates everyone
gathered together, close enough to hear each other growing in faith. Youth meets
one Sunday a month for fellowship and to bake the bread for Holy Communion.
I have been listening at cottage meetings and home visits, exploring the
Minnetonka community, learning about the history of each campus, receiving
your hospitality, and leaning into the hard conversations about loss. It all adds
up to tell a story of Spirit-led truth and hope.
ON THE
COVER:
We know the drill: you’ve been invited;
clear your schedule; remember to RSVP;
then get ready for the celebration you
won’t want to miss. According to
stories in the Bible, the kingdom of
God is like a wedding party. So Save
the Date as we explore what it means
to live in the now and not yet of God’s
time.
August 27:
The Great Invitation
Luke 14:15-24
September 3: Readiness is Next to
Godliness
Matthew 25:1-13
September 10: CELEBRATE!
John 2:1-11
These friends and colleagues don't have to ask if I'm energized about this work.
They hear it in my voice and see it on my face! I am grateful for the call to this
learning curve: our grief and courage, our faith and humor, our stewardship and
dreams. May God continue to lead us with grace, both together as one church
and out in common mission through Christ.
Dear Bethlehem friends,
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all you have done over the last
seven months. Your love and prayers have lifted us through this journey. Chris
knew that he was never alone. He deeply appreciated and coveted your visits,
cards, and prayers.
We have received an outpouring of cards, donations, and kind words. It has
been very healing to read your remembrances, stories, and words of support.
The service in celebration of Chris' life and ministry was spectacular! Thank
you to all who made it happen, to all who came, and to all who participated in
the service. It was everything he would have wished for. Thank you for your
donations honoring Chris. He loved the church, and your generous donations
honor his commitment to Bethlehem's mission to connect people with God.
As our family grieves the loss of husband, father, grandfather, and brother,
we realize that you, the congregation, are grieving as well. Chris would have
wanted us all to celebrate his life and the time he had with us, and to continue
sharing God's word.
We take comfort in the words of the closing anthem of the service, The
Kontakion, “Give rest unto your servants with your saints, O God. Give rest where
there is neither pain or sorrow, neither sighing, but life everlasting.”
Blessings and peace to you all, --Deb, James, and Alison
2
Dream Big series continues through
August 20:
August 6:
The Two Beasts
Revelation 13:1-18
August 13:
The Harlot and Great
Battle
Revelation 17:1-6,
19:11-16
August 20:
The New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:1-6,
22:1-5
Next CONNECT deadline:
August 10, 2017
[email protected]
CONNECT newsletter online
bethlehem-church.org