Dear Partners in Ministry,
Homecoming.
When we think of the word, we might first remember high school, a football game or a dance.
I have fond and even powerful memories of others: returning home to the United States after three years in Japan, being reunited with family when we moved north, Anne's return home after Mark's birth at his first home, coming home from the hospital after surgery, and the list goes on.
You have your own homecoming stories. I have been fortunate to hear many of them.
This community of faith is more mobile, in some ways, than any other of which I have been a part. People travel. I have had a hard time getting used to this. Some of us stay put. While I rejoice that people can go, I am so grateful when you return.
Each time we gather for worship or in community for any purpose is a homecoming. Our Lord welcomes us anew as we share life in his name. We are fed and sent to invite others to join us in following and serving Jesus, and serving our neighbors.
See the article in this Epistle concerning another Homecoming celebration May 19. Note, that is the Day of Pentecost, when we hear of God gifting the Church the Holy Spirit. God births the Church that day. It is a time to celebrate.
Peace to you,
Pastor Frank