Tri-Church Corner
Pastor Gary Erickson of the Northern IL Synod opened the August 18th meeting with prayer and devotion from Micah 6:6-8. In these verses, Pastor Gary contrasted a moment with God – for example, Sunday church attendance and giving an offering – to a daily movement with God where we are called to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with God. It is the movement that may require a shift in behaviors . . . often sacrifice.
As follow-up from the July meeting, discussion continued on the formation of a mission statement that will reflect the “why” of the Tri-Church. We are pleased to report our mission statement: United in Jesus’ love, we learn, serve and grow through faith and action. This will be introduced at the God’ Work, Our Hands joint service on Sunday, September 11th.
Preliminary discussion began on the core values and common purpose of the Tri-Church. The question was posed, “What is God’s dream for us?” This conversation will continue at the next meeting on Thursday evening, September 15th. The group also said good-bye and thank you to Pastor Chris Stienstra, Assistant to the Bishop for the Central Conference, who will be retiring at the end of August. Pastor Chris has been a very faithful listener and supporter of the Tri-Church initiative.
Respectfully submitted by:
Denise Norman, St. John’s
Sandra Julifs, St. Paul
Deb Keaschall, Immanuel