This year, at the California Nevada Annual Conference, all the churches were invited to participate in A Wall of Wonder and A Wall of Willingness to Risk.

On the Wall of Wonder, we posted information about ministries at our churches that worked so well we said, “God must have been leading us!” There were many inspiring stories! I posted one on this wall about Lynnewood’s new Drama Ministry. I’m grateful for the creativity and energy of this group. I especially appreciate how this small group reads the Bible…asking questions, using their imagination and finding ways to relate the ancient passages to our current experiences. That approach keeps the “Holy” in Holy Scripture. (Let Paul or me know if you’d like to join this group! There’s always room for more.)

On the Wall of Willingness to Risk, we posted information about ministries that might not have worked, but in which you felt God was calling you to take a risk.

We have taken risks this year. One such risk was our recent Stewardship Season. Our goal was to invite more people at Lynnewood to think about why and how we give to our church.

Talking about money, and giving, can be an awkward subject.  Some people feel that talking about money in worship is not appropriate. Paul and I and our leadership team felt it was worth the risk to try something new. We believe that there is no aspect of our life that is separate from our life in God. We wanted to begin a conversation around the topic: How will we practice listening to God when we make decisions around our financial resources? How can we practice giving, spending and saving…without fear? These questions are vital to our spiritual journey.

So we took a risk and tried something new. And it was a learning experience…for all of us. We appreciate your observations and feedback, and look forward to continuing the conversation.

In the year ahead, may we take more risks! Our Scriptures are filled with stories about people who took risks…. who yearned for God, listened for God, and tried new things. May the same be said about the people of Lynnewood United Methodist Church!

With deep gratitude for the joy of being part of this community,

  

Pastor Kim