Liberty Fam,
LVC celebrated nine years as a church yesterday. Though I am new, I understand the time, effort, and hard work that has occurred to get to this point. It is only by the great grace of God that has gotten us to this point. So many stories – mountaintops, valley, plateaus, trekking through snowstorms, drought, times of plenty – the life of a church sees it all. May we continually fix our hope on the One who is faithful and good.
It was awesome too hearing the stories of so many during our 5th Sunday as a church. The Spirit was so very present as people shared real stories. For those who took risk in sharing hard, vulnerable things, thank you for doing so. That sets an environment at LVC that we are unfinished products. The Lord is not done yet! I was overjoyed as I listened in yesterday.
As individuals shared where they are on their journey, some of us now know the real truth of each other’s lives. That is a sacred place. May we honor each other with these parts of our story. When someone in our family is struggling, that is a sign to lean in, listen, learn, lift, and love. #alliterations Pastor Karen has nothing on me! (lol) Seriously guys, we want to truly honor each other by treating each person’s story with confidence and encouragement. Try to reach out throughout the remainder of this week to show the care that Christ has so showed you. I felt like we crossed a bit of a threshold in terms of our openness yesterday and I am proud of who we are and who we are becoming as a church. We are moving forward together and that is a precious gift.
Lastly, I want to continue to remind you about our Thanksgiving Community Meal on Nov. 27th at 12:30pm. Please reach out to me or Pastor Karen for more information or if you want flyers/invitations to give to friends, neighbors, or co-workers. The event is also posted on Facebook under the Liberty Vineyard Church page or you can find it here. Please share it! I am excited about being able to welcome with the love of Jesus. Let’s be sure to do all we can to give an opportunity to everyone to dine with the King.
With you on the journey,
John
John D. Trotter
Senior Pastor, Liberty Vineyard Church