Vicar’s Reflection
We have all been through so much in this past year. We have seen COVID-19 change the ways in which we work, in the ways that we interact with those outside our households, the ways that we worship as the Church, the way we mourn the loss of a loved one and so many more. We also see our nation divided. Our voices, our words, our actions are used to tear others down instead of building each other up. We want to be “right” and others to be “wrong”. Unity is hard when we are isolated from one another and when we choose to turn inward and focus only on ourselves. But, through these difficult times we are called to be the Church.
You, as Hope Lutheran, have felt even more change in this new year, with Pastor Lynnae’s diagnosis. The leadership from the congregation has taken on many aspects that do not come with their job description, and yet each of them has accepted the additional responsibilities for the betterment of the congregation. The needs of the congregation have not stopped with the church council and other leaders; I have seen this congregation come together, to be united (while staying socially distant), to take on new roles, to be Christ’s disciples for each other. One more change came, as you were willing to become a teaching congregation, to walk with me through my pastoral internship. Through all the unknowns, you have stood strong and faithful; and you have welcomed me and my family into the family of Hope Lutheran!
Our faith is not something that we should take for granted. Faith guides us through the unknown, it gives us hope for our days ahead. We live in faith, as Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” There will be days of burden, but there will also be days of joy; and through all our days, it is faith in God that will guide us through. Faith is not something that is always logical, but faith reminds us that we are never alone.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Corrie Ten Boom (survivor of a Nazi concentration camp)
Let us live together with Hope!
Vicar Corey Scott