You Are Love
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in say, “You are love.” As you breathe out say, “I go out in compassion.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:13-14
Reflect.
When I first began to discern my call to Easter Lutheran Church, I asked around. What did people think about this congregation? I consistently heard one clear message: this is a place that really cares about its community and has devoted itself to serving their neighbors.
In my first months at Easter Lutheran Church, I had the privilege of gathering for listening sessions with members of the congregation, both carefully distanced outside or via Zoom. Where did people feel the greatest sense of joy in this congregation? Where did they feel God calling us deeper? I consistently heard one clear message: the work we do to love and serve our neighbor in Christ’s name means so much, and the new call to equity and justice fits perfectly with the mission we share.
It felt exciting to know that what people said about Easter matched what Easter people thought of themselves. It felt even more exciting to know I got to serve in a place that wanted to make its devotion to the gospel known in worship, learning, and vitally, in service to their neighbors. Today, it continues to give me great joy to see how we help feed hungry people, support youth, engage with our global partners, work for housing stability, and learn about and work towards racial equity.
Last year, our generosity appeal named this work as one of our most important goals. Because of your faithful giving and your devotion through love to serve others, we have been able to grow these programs and opportunities. There’s more to do, and it is thrilling to consider where God might be calling us.
On November 14, you’ll be invited to share your statement of intent with this congregation. That means you’ll make the prayerful, faithful decision to give financially to the church in celebration of all God’s gifts to you. It also means you get the opportunity to support this life-giving, identity-making work that Easter so greatly values. This outreach remains central to Easter’s identity, and together, we will keep doing this holy work.
Pray.
God, we praise you for the freedom to serve others without fear or selfishness. Open our hearts and hands to freely share all your gifts with all your people. As we grow deeper in love for you, call us deeper into generosity and service for the sake of the whole world that you so love. Amen.
Carry On.
What do you know about Easter’s many outreach partnerships and areas of focus? How could you learn more about our priorities? What do you most want to be a part of this year?