FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

May is always an inspiring time of the year with Spring in full swing. May is the time of approaching graduations. With graduations, we think about mentoring. We think about all of our own graduations and the people who, through the years, have mentored us. 

The Church is a good place to take up the ministry of mentoring. A mentorship can be one-to-one or to a small group. Mentors discern faith growth needs and formulate a conversation. What if you decided to take up the ministry of mentorship for a new couple, new parents, a family at baptism, or teens at confirmation, etc.? There are always new possibilities for the ministry of mentoring. It just starts with listening and God’s leading. 

This topic also reminds me of our Inactives—folks who are members or non-members who used to be in the sanctuary or in our ministries pre-pandemic. We realize there may be some valid medical reasons keeping from returning, but then there are hopes that plans can be made to try it out again. If you haven’t been back to church physically in the sanctuary for a while (or to a church event), we would mentor you to try it again. As Pastor, I’d also like to meet you! And I’m sure your friends at church would love to see you again. 

Which, again, leads me to talking about something further. We have had new visitors at both churches of the shared ministry initiative. This has been exciting for me as pastor and also exciting for those regularly attending. If you see a visitor, introduce yourself! Greeting visitors is an important ministry. 

God is blessing us! The shared ministry initiative of both Gethsemane and Hope Lutheran will now go into the phase of covenanting in shared ministry for me to enter the call process. My interim contract at Gethsemane will be extended until if and when this call process goes to congregational vote. Thus, if I haven’t met you yet, I would very much like to get to know you and yours. 

The blessings of the Easter season extend to Pentecost Sunday, which this year is May 28th. Pentecost is the celebration of the birthday of the Church and a celebration of the Holy Spirit filling us before and again, our lives, and our ministries in our churches and out into the world. Hope to see you soon! 

Press on with me into the adventure of God’s amazing grace and love. 

With Hope & Confidence in Christ,

Rev. Jerri Morton Carlin, Interim Pastor