MESSAGE FROM PASTOR LIZ DAVIS
July 2024
![Sharing Your Faith](/uploads/1/0/4/3/104331565/published/673568409.jpg?1719942811)
Grace and peace, people of God!
I had the joy of meeting with young adults at Camp Hiawatha this June during their staff training. There are 33 on the staff, dedicating their summer (or longer) to sharing the love of Jesus with children and youth in God’s Great Northwoods!
One of the joys of serving the church is that I not only serve my congregations but the whole church (and wider community) and because of this, get to hear and see God at work in a variety of ways and locations. As parishioners, I think you might not always get to interact with folks from other churches or ministries in which we partner, and because of this, sometimes don’t get to know the diversity of work that is done in God’s name in our area and around the world. We all focus differently, and we certainly shouldn’t all be doing the same thing.
Just like Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 12, the church as a whole is diverse, with each of us congregations and ministries living in to our specific gifts, culture, and makeup. That means that as a whole, but not individually, we are able to address the needs of the world with the gospel lived in action. The Corinthians were sometimes jealous of each other. Some people felt badly, that their gifts and ministries weren’t as important as others. Some people boasted that they were the most important and successful. Like them, we can be the same way, comparing ourselves to other congregations. If we spend too much time doing that, we will neglect the important work God has for us, as the community we are
today. That competitive or negative attitude can also turn us away from celebrating what God is doing through others. Shouldn’t we be actively rejoicing in the good work the Church as a whole is doing?! Praise God for the gospel shared in every way, through every congregation, through every believer!
When I met with these counselors, some brand new, some returning, some even from other countries (!), they all expressed a hope that they would grow through their ministry. They wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, inspired by the love of Christ, and they wanted to change as a result of their work. I’m so excited for their summer because I know they are in a place and a role where they will certainly grow and change as they meet Jesus through each other and the campers. They gave up a summer making more money, hanging out with friends, and chose to share the gospel. Awesome!
Their intention to serve and grow inspires me. I hope it also inspires you. Are you eager to share your faith, willing to give up your comfort and work against other’s expectations in order to share the gospel? Join me in praying for them and the children and youth who will be a part of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry and other camps this summer. God is at work through so many people! Thank you for joining me in ministry.
-Pr. Liz
I had the joy of meeting with young adults at Camp Hiawatha this June during their staff training. There are 33 on the staff, dedicating their summer (or longer) to sharing the love of Jesus with children and youth in God’s Great Northwoods!
One of the joys of serving the church is that I not only serve my congregations but the whole church (and wider community) and because of this, get to hear and see God at work in a variety of ways and locations. As parishioners, I think you might not always get to interact with folks from other churches or ministries in which we partner, and because of this, sometimes don’t get to know the diversity of work that is done in God’s name in our area and around the world. We all focus differently, and we certainly shouldn’t all be doing the same thing.
Just like Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 12, the church as a whole is diverse, with each of us congregations and ministries living in to our specific gifts, culture, and makeup. That means that as a whole, but not individually, we are able to address the needs of the world with the gospel lived in action. The Corinthians were sometimes jealous of each other. Some people felt badly, that their gifts and ministries weren’t as important as others. Some people boasted that they were the most important and successful. Like them, we can be the same way, comparing ourselves to other congregations. If we spend too much time doing that, we will neglect the important work God has for us, as the community we are
today. That competitive or negative attitude can also turn us away from celebrating what God is doing through others. Shouldn’t we be actively rejoicing in the good work the Church as a whole is doing?! Praise God for the gospel shared in every way, through every congregation, through every believer!
When I met with these counselors, some brand new, some returning, some even from other countries (!), they all expressed a hope that they would grow through their ministry. They wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, inspired by the love of Christ, and they wanted to change as a result of their work. I’m so excited for their summer because I know they are in a place and a role where they will certainly grow and change as they meet Jesus through each other and the campers. They gave up a summer making more money, hanging out with friends, and chose to share the gospel. Awesome!
Their intention to serve and grow inspires me. I hope it also inspires you. Are you eager to share your faith, willing to give up your comfort and work against other’s expectations in order to share the gospel? Join me in praying for them and the children and youth who will be a part of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry and other camps this summer. God is at work through so many people! Thank you for joining me in ministry.
-Pr. Liz