I don’t know about many of you, but the summer seems to have flown by for me. The calendar pages seem to be turning at warp speed, the 4th of July feels like yesterday. It seems like it has been a fast year overall. I look back at what I was doing this time last year, and we were just beginning our ministry together. In this last year, we have partnered with St. James Lutheran Church in Bettendorf; and a lot has happened. We marked our new beginning with my installation service, and a delicious church potluck. We celebrated the reformation with a study of Luther’s small catechism. Thanks was given and pie shared at a combined Thanksgiving service. Each congregation worshipped on Christmas Eve. The spring held our two churches journeying though Lent and Holy Week together; while Easter was rambunctiously celebrated at both churches. This summer held another combined book study, we met under the sun at All Saints. The council and the Parish Board have provided so much steady leadership this last year. Both have been a great help as we get oriented for the adventure ahead. Over all, this year has been one of growth and holy experimentation.
This spring, as a council we asked the conversation to fill out a check-in survey. I want to thank all of you who participated. These answers are helpful to the congregation’s leadership. In the coming months we will be using these answers to help us discern where God is leading us. We have been crossing over uncharted territory these last twelve months, and now, we have some idea of what the landscape holds. We have not come close to having a full “map” of our life together, but we have come far. I am excited to see where God leads us on our journey. As the calendar pages turn, be on the lookout for God at work in this congregation. Turn your ears to listen for how God may be calling us into ministry in our neighborhood. Keep your eyes peeled for the kingdom of God unfolding before you. Like I said, I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that I will see you at 10:30 am on Sunday.
Pastor Amy