Perhaps you remember playing the telephone game as a child. The students sit around in a circle. The teacher says a word to the student. It could be “cat” or “dog,” “television” or “telephone,” “blue” or “green”… and the student repeats the word to the next student. As the word travels around the circle, the word becomes humorously distorted. This game hammers home the old adage, you have two ears and one mouth, for a reason.
I am in the thick of a listening tour, visiting the members of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. I am trying to meet with each person associated with Mt. Calvary, hear why they first attended Mt. Calvary, and what their hopes and dreams are for the church. I want to hear about your gifts and passions. If I have not met with you yet, please know I will be reaching out in the coming week. If we have already met, I am certainly open to meeting again as issues come up. My role is certainly unique and demanding, but you can always reach me at 425.420.6826. To dig up another old adage, “don’t be a stranger.” I want to hear from you. I am always willing to listen to questions, comments, and concerns.
Several pieces have emerged from the listening tour so far. I am proud to say there will be a women’s community group meeting for the first time beginning on 11/13 at 9am in VLHS classroom 203 (my classroom). The room can easily be reached by elevator. This community group will be accompanied by the launch of a men’s group and a group for college students and young adults. If you plan to attend one of the groups, do not hesitate to invite your friends to accompany you. Folks who might not be interested in a formal church service often appreciate the chance to just belong in a safe environment. The structure, frequency of meeting and agenda for these groups is intentionally open to the vision of those involved.
Finally, I would be remiss not to say that it is important that we listen to God’s Word. However, listening to God’s Word can be a bit like the telephone game. On Sundays, we hear about God’s unconditional love. We experience the forgiveness of sins and hear about His great and powerful actions. On Sundays God is there whispering a word in our ears — “love.” The rest of the week brings moments of “getting in”, distortion of this message, and moments of confusion. Sometimes we live the reality that we are sent by God with his love to his world. Other times the world wallops us back. Each Sunday is a chance to be refreshed in hearing those words from God again: “I love you.” See you then to hear that wonderful news.
In Jesus Service,
Pastor Kurt