FROM OUR S.A.M.'S DESK
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am grateful and excited to begin serving with you as your Synod Appointed Minister. It is a privilege to walk alongside this congregation in faith, worship, and service.
As we step into this new season together, my first hope is simply to listen and learn. Every congregation has its own story—its joys, its challenges, its gifts—and I look forward to hearing yours. Even though I’ve been here for many years, I welcome all to share a memory, or tell me about what makes Gethsemane feel like home for you.
Above all, I know that God is already at work here, and that together we will discover new ways to grow in faith, strengthen our community, and share Christ’s love in the world.
I’m eager to work with you, pray with you, and serve with you in the days ahead.
In Christ’s peace,
Kathy Gosnell, Synod Appointed Minister
STEWARD'S CORNER
Walk with Jesus
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:56 (NIV)
Our Fall stewardship campaign this year is titled “Walk with Jesus.” It is because our lives gain hope and purpose when we choose to follow Jesus. We learn to let go of our worries and get excited about the road ahead. We learn that faith is more than belief. Faith is a choice we make daily, with reassurance that God is guiding every step.
Imagine yourself walking alone down a long, winding dirt path in the Red River Gorge. It is dark and there are twists, turns, and cliffs that make it dangerous and easy to get lost. Now imagine that same hike with a guide that knows the path well leading and lighting the way. When we think about walking with Jesus, we know he is the mentor leading us precisely where we need to be. By asking for His guidance when we face challenging times, we can be confident that we are going in the right direction.
Walking together as a church community with Jesus creates a bond that can only enrich our faith journey. When we gather to laugh, pray, support and inspire each other, our shared experiences give us a sense of belonging and community.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” ~ Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Also important is our individual walk with Jesus. Through prayer, we can pour out our hearts, ask for clarity, express gratitude, and share our fears. Intentionally quieting our minds and listening allows two way communication. We can experience His presence and the reassurance that we are never truly alone on this walk.
A walk with Jesus will always involve serving others and stewardship. His guidance and compassion is clear and we are His hands in our community. We not only bring joy to others, but bring purpose and fulfillment to our own lives as we walk the path He has set for us.
Ultimately, walking with Jesus fills our lives with joy and hope - even when facing uncertainty. We have faith and trust in Him to lead us. The assurance that we are loved and guided is the source of our great strength in this season of stewardship.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Kim Toohey,
Congregational Life Chair
THE PRESIDENT'S OUTBOX
I will probably regret saying this, but things actually seem to have settled down at Gethsemane as we move into autumn. Kathy Gosnell, has settled in as our new Synod Authorized Minister (SAM). She’s busy with this throughout the week and is typically in the office on Wednesdays from 10:30-12:30. The Call Committee is helping us through the discernment process for our long term pastoral needs and will be tackling the Mission Site Profile soon. The Long Range Planning Committee continues to explore a number of exciting possibilities for new programs and projects at Gethsemane, including potential bathroom renovations.
Meanwhile, Isabella Piasecki has been added to our social ministry team, focusing primarily on setting up a new Instagram account, which you can now access by searching on Instagram for Gethsemane Lutheran Church Lexington or joyfully_lutheran. The Spanish-speaking congregation that worships in our sanctuary, Iglesia Casa de Dios, Emanuel, continues to grow. And choir has resumed after the summer hiatus, with practice on Wednesdays at 7:00. We would love to have some new voices.
The September church council meeting ran only about 40 minutes, which in itself is evidence of normalcy. Every year there are vacancies on council as terms expire, so it’s not too early to start thinking about saying “yes” when someone on the Nominating Committee approaches you about that. I do want to thank Laura Piasecki, who has recently had to step away from council. Hers is a voice that will be missed.
My sense is that change & renewal is coming for Gethsemane/Lexington, for the ELCA and for Christ’s church on earth. Thank God for times like this when we can catch our breath as we plan and pray for what that change will look like.
Blessings,
Dave Leverenz, President
