FBCL Family,
This month has been a whirlwind but a true delight. I can tell you that my heart is very content. Even when we have reservations and hesitations God remains faithful to us. As November starts, I want to give you all an update on what I have been doing. I have been learning the different systems of the church (meaning how we do church and what we do), met other pastors in the community, worked to build relationships with yall, and been prayerful about where God is taking us. I would like to invite you all to continue to pray about where God might be calling you to participate. Where might you use your gifts to build the up the body of believers? Where can you live out your calling?
In Ephesians 4:1-7, Apostle Paul is writing to the church of Ephesus. He is explaining to the group that he has been called to preach to the Gentiles and wants to remind all those following Christ about the unity they share together. The Scriptures say,
“ I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
As we move into a new season of ministry, fellowshipping, and growing together I want us to focus on Paul’s words. How can we live lives worthy of the calling of Christ? I pray that we can “bear with one another in love.” Deep abiding love that forces us out of our comfort zones so that we can care for others well. We celebrate one Lord, one faith, and one baptism together with our sister congregations that share our building. Let us explore what the Spirit would have us to do in our community! My door is always open. If you would like to get together for a meal or coffee, please reach out.
Peace,
Pastor Joy