Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Dear Friends in Christ-

I just returned home from one of Bethlehem's sailing trips in the Apostle Islands. We had a wonderful time-new adventures, lots of wind and very low temperatures. (I believe the thermometer at one point showed 32 degrees)!  The very first morning was extremely cold and I desperately wanted to stay in my sleeping bag. I was very comfortable right where I was and the thought of leaving my warm and cozy space was less than desirable. Eventually though, I did.  And I'm so glad! Had I stayed in my comfortable spot I would have missed seeing the beautiful scenery, getting to know the many interesting people who were aboard, and learning how to work a boat to get the most out of the wind.

So often in life we are inclined to stay where things feel comfortable. It is good to have these places in life (believe me, I was incredibly grateful for my very warm sleeping bag at night and never questioned its value). It is important to return to them now and again but as followers of Jesus Christ God calls us to not stay there.

These past couple of weeks we've focused on what it means to live in community. Many of us are in small groups and are reading Better Together:  40 Days of Community.  Through this experience we're not only learning about the benefits of living on purpose for each other in this community of faith; but we're also stretching ourselves to reach out to others who are outside the walls of Bethlehem and to live on purpose for them.  This most likely takes many of us out of our comfort zones but I want to affirm you in this discipline.

When we leave those places that are comfortable we are more aware of our surroundings. We change our focus from inward (what makes me feel good) to outward (what can I do for someone else?)  We might not feel especially confident as we leave what's so familiar but I believe we do discover a greater dependence on God in the process. This is a good thing! God who is faithful will guide us as we rely on Him and seek to do His will.

To what new challenge is God calling you? I am confident that God is already active and present in your life but I also think that God continually calls us to challenge ourselves to serve him in new ways. Is there someone in your life who's in need of prayer? Commit them to your daily prayers. Do you see a particular need at Bethlehem?  Perhaps you see that need because God has given you the gifts to meet it. Does your small group share a common concern or have a passion for something in particular?  Study the mission opportunities and encourage one another to take on a new adventure together.

In Mark's Gospel Jesus and his disciples go away to a quiet place when they're tired from all their traveling, teaching and healing. But God's new word had been heard and a crowd followed them as they snuck away to their little get away-their "comfort" place.  The crowd was hungry and when the disciples asked what they should do, Jesus advised them:  "You give them something to eat."  The disciples wanted Jesus to take care of the needs of the people but Jesus reminded them that God has blessed them with the ability to do the same.

God has blessed you with certain gifts, particular passions, unique abilities. I pray that in these coming weeks your heart will be open to God's Holy Spirit working through you to reach out and share his love with others by meeting their needs. Bring your worries, cares and concerns to Jesus and his promise is that he will bless you to go about his work for God's glory. Blessings to you on your adventure!

Pastor Mary