July 22 Thought for Reflection
Dear Holy Covenant Community,
Hymns have a way of speaking truths about God, faith, and community. As a church, we sing our theology, letting the words hum into our souls and effect us as only music can. One of my favorite hymns from childhood is “We are the Church,” #558 in the Hymnal.
A church is not a building, a church is not a steeple, a church is not a resting place, a church is the people….I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together…
This is a seemingly simple hymn with a powerful truth. For you, the people, are indeed the church. Your leadership, participation in worship, prayers, gifts, and service all make Holy Covenant the unique family that we are. As your pastor, I’m grateful for the strong lay ownership, leadership, and vision that guide this church. Your passionate participation is a gift to me and this community. With that in mind, I want to call your attention to two important events happening soon in the life of our church:
*First, on Saturday August 1st we are holding our quarterly Congregational Summit from 9-12:30at the church. This will be a time to evaluate where we’ve been, plan where we’re going, and vision our hopes and dreams for the future. ALL are invited, whether you’ve attended Holy Covenant once or have been here for years. Passionate about mission? Hospitality? Congregational care? Finance? Worship? Study? Social justice? Something the church isn’t currently doing? Bring your ideas and energy as we seek to live out our mission.
*Second, on Sunday August 2nd, Holy Covenant is privileged to be hosting 80 pastors from around the country and the denomination. Our guests are participating in The School of Congregational Development, a continuing education event hosted by The United Methodist Church. Over 500 participants are meeting in Evanston for the week and on Sunday will visit teaching congregations all over the Chicago area. We will host 80 of these pastors who have chosen to learn from HC in our 11:15 worship service. Then they will stay for lunch and an afternoon teaching session. We need your help with greeting, hosting, ushering, and serving communion. Look for ways that you can be involved. You are welcome to stay for the afternoon session, from 1-3pm, and offer your important perspectives on Holy Covenant. If you are planning to stay, please RSVP to Lynda Davis so we have enough lunch: ldavis137@aol.com. Finally, pray for cool weather with all those warm bodies gathered in our warm sanctuary!
The hymn concludes: All who follow Jesus, all around the world, yes we’re the church together.
Let the people say: Amen.
Hope to see you at these events as we continue to be and live the church together in community.
Grace and peace,
Kate
