As I sat down to write these words, I really didn’t know how to begin. Do I start with a story? A Bible verse? An attempt at a witty joke? This is a new space for me — one that is humbling, exciting, inspiring, joyful, sacred, and full of so many different beautiful emotions. And as I tried to pare it down to one theme for today, I kept coming back to gratitude.
Gratitude for the heartfelt welcome I have received from all of you. Gratitude for the dedicated and faithful ministry of Pastor Brad and Pastor Bob. Gratitude for those who have served during these interim years, nurturing a community that is prayerful, hopeful, and filled with the Holy Spirit. And gratitude to God for his providence and leading, bringing me to ministry here at Covenant Church of Schaumburg.
For sixty years, people in this congregation have received the gift of faith from those who came before them. And now, together, we are entrusted with what comes next.Over the next several weeks, we will be journeying through a series called “The Shared Life.” We will spend time talking about what it means to belong together in community, how we honor our Christian legacy, and how we make room at the table for those who are not yet here.
I look forward to sharing in story together. Please reach out to me for a chat or a cup of coffee! I look forward to praying with you and asking together the question, “How goes your walk with Jesus?” I look forward to learning your stories, honoring the past, and discovering together what God might be inviting us into as we journey into the future.
My prayer is that Covenant Church of Schaumburg will continue to be a place where everyone is welcome at the table — to encounter Christ and to grow in wisdom, compassion, courage, and faith.
