FROM THE PASTOR

GREEN FORKS = BIGGER THINGS

Last month, I put a “green fork challenge” before us as a congregation. It came ironically, as we were facing challenges about ELCA matters and our mission plans (budget) for 2010.

I said that bigger things were to come and be done at Lakeside as we live out our mission and purpose as the Body of Christ in our community and throughout the world. We are to be in prayer asking God’s will for us.

Bigger Things in Parish Education We have more young people involved in our Sunday School and KFC program. We have encouraged members to adopt a child and daily remember them and their families in prayer. We need to grow in our knowledge of God’s Word as we study it in Bible Studies in our congregation.

Bigger Things in Evangelism As we celebrate being God’s people, we realize the need to tell others of God’s love in Christ and invite them to worship with us if they have no church home. We who have come and seen, must now Go and Tell.

Bigger Things in Stewardship We have cut our budget but the mission is still necessary. We are invited to share our time, talent and possessions so that the mission and programs of lakeside and the ELCA can continue to bring people to Christ. “Bring your offerings - stewardship - to me and see if I do not open the blessings of heaven to you.” That is the promise of God to each of us.

Bigger Things in Worship Having voted to have just one worship service throughout the year, we will all be able to gather together. That will mean less heating bills all winter - we will keep each other warm and the need to open the windows or use the air conditioner as we “pack in together” in the summer. Being together, we will grow closer, bless each other more, and fill our sanctuary with praise to our God.

Bigger Things are to come and be done as we finish 2009 and go through 2010.