Guide my feet while I run this race;
guide my feet while I run this race; guide my feet while I run this race, for I don't want to run this race in vain! -This Far by Faith #153 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” -Hebrews 12:1-2 “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength...they shall run and not be weary.” -Isaiah 40:31 Jesus told us that the two greatest commandments were to love God and to love our neighbor. In March, when we first decided to suspend worshiping together, even before there was public health guidance, we did so as a sign of our love for our neighbors. We entered our time worshiping at home as if it were a sprint - something we could push hard to get through really quickly. As I write this in mid-July, I am watching the case counts in our state rise while knowing that children and teachers will be going back to school in the next two weeks. The finish line on this sprint has been extended and instead of just 100 meters, we are running a marathon. While other places have opened up around us, I firmly believe that our call to care for others pushes us to consider the health of our community, even when others do not seem concerned. We also know that we are not meant to be alone. From the very beginning, human beings were created to be in community with each other. I encourage you to connect with our church community in new or different ways, even if it is not your preferred method. We continue to have opportunities for worship, Bible study and fellowship every week. If you have never connected to an online discussion, we can help you practice or you can call in with your phone. There are also small groups that are meeting in person while physically distanced. I am also available for pastoral visits on front porches or by phone where we can discuss your concerns or ideas of how to deepen your faith life. This time is difficult, but we value the safety of those in our congregation and in the community around us and we know that God can continue to renew our strength so that we can run and not grow weary. In the abiding hope of the Risen Lord, Pastor Lecia
Staying Connected with Risen Lord
In this season of pandemic, we will continue to refrain from gathering as a large group. While we continue to worship in our own homes, we know that many long for the fellowship of gathering together. Members of the Leadership Team are working to provide weekly opportunities, some online and some in person. For groups that meet in person, groups will meet outside and everyone will be expected to maintain physical distance between other participants. Please RSVP to the group conveners so that they can easily communicate any changes in schedule. If you are interested in convening a group at another time, please reach out to Pastor Lecia (pastorlecia@risenlordlc.org)!
We pray that you will continue to find connection and encouragement as we continue to learn how to be church together in a new way.
Upcoming opportunities:
Sundays at 9:00 am - Cara Ruble will bring her Bible study class online! Using both Martin E. Marty’s book “Lutheran Questions, Lutheran Answers: Exploring Christian Faith” and Donald Abdon’s “Living Discipleship” we will explore “The Church”: What does it mean to be a Church “member”? Why is the Church so full of “sinners”? What is the “mission” of the Church? What should be the Church’s relation to culture? And more! For more information or to RSVP and receive lon-on information, contact Cara at cara.ruble@comcast.net. This group is currently meeting.
Sundays at 4:00 pm - Connie Temm will lead a meditation walk at Risen Lord. First we will read a scripture, then walk in the field behind the church being aware of the sights and sounds around us, feel what God is sharing. Bring a chair for sitting and talking afterward about our experience and how God is working in our lives. For more information or to RSVP, contact Connie at ctemm@iupui.edu. This group will meet next on July 26.
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm - Pastor Lecia will be hosting an online discussion of Dear Church by Pastor Lenny Duncan during the month of August. For more information or to RSVP and receive log-on information, contact Pastor Lecia at pastorlecia@risenlordlc.org. This group will begin meeting on August 4.
Wednesdays at 1:00 pm - Connie Temm is hosting a Zoom fellowship time. Feel free to drop in and connect with whoever shows up, sharing conversation and catching up with each other. For more information or to RSVP and receive log-on information, contact Connie at ctemm@iupui.edu. The group is currently meeting.
Thursdays at 6:30 pm - Carol Retz will host a group in the church’s backyard focusing on fellowship, scripture and prayer. Bring a chair and join the chat! For more information or to RSVP, call Carol at 765-215-4813. This group is currently meeting.
TBD - Fred Freeman will lead a book group online to discuss Rob Bell’s Love Wins. In Love Wins, bestselling author, international teacher, and speaker Rob Bell addresses one of the most controversial issues of faith—hell and the afterlife—arguing, would a loving God send people to eternal torment forever? If you are interested in discussing this book, contact Fred by text or phone at 317-513-4676.
Pastor Lecia will continue to provide worship, a devotion and a Bible study available on our website each week at www.risenlordlc.org/blog. She is also available for individual pastoral care conversations by phone, in the church yard or in your front yard. Please reach out by phone (614-439-9685) or email (pastorlecia@risenlordlc.org) to request a time to meet.
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