Dear Brothers, Sisters and friends of Immanuel,

 

Over the last few months, a group of people and the pastors, from Immanuel, St. Paul and St. John’s of Sterling have been in conversation about how to come together in community for the sake of mission, ministry, worship and fellowship.  And – how to be a known ELCA presence in the greater Sterling/Rock Falls area.  In the bulletins and newsletters of all three congregation, have been updates as to the work that has been done.  I’m hoping that you have all taken the time to stay informed.

 

We have been led in Bible study and heartfelt conversation by Pr. Gary Erickson, Director of Evangelical Mission for the Northern Illinois Synod, and Pr. Chris Steinstra, the Assistant to the Bishop for the Central Conference.

 

At the last meeting (August 18) we completed work on developing a mission statement for the Tri- Church Group.

 

                        United in Jesus’ love, we learn, serve and grow through faith and action.

 

This mission statement will not only guide our continuing work as a team, but will also guide the work that the three congregations will do together.

 

As the 3 ELCA congregations, we have already come together often to do ministry, to worship together and come together in fellowship to enjoy each other’s company.  So this is not a new concept.  The goal is to build on that and see where the Holy Spirit leads us.

 

And so – I invite you all to think about some of the questions that we have been wrestling with – and to offer your input. 

 

1. What is God’s dream for the 3 congregations as a community of faith?

2. What is God’s mission for the world?

3. What is Immanuel’s purpose (we’ve been talking about this in the forums and will continue to do so).

4. How best can the 3 congregations come together to do what God has called us to do?

 

Our presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Bishop Eaton, said during the recent Churchwide Assembly,  ‘We are not a dying church, we are a changing church.’  And while change is difficult sometime, it can also be exciting – challenging – did I say exciting!!!   We – Immanuel, as well as our brothers and sister across the river, are at the crossroads of a new adventure.  While we do not know completely what the Holy Spirit has in mind for us, we can be assured that we travel this path wrapped in the arms of God’s grace and love.  We need not worry about the ‘success’ of our mission, only that we step out in faith  and try – for Jesus sake.

 

So –I  invite your thoughts and comments –

 

Peace to you all as we journey together…..

 

                                                Pr. Vicki