News from the Pews - April 28, 2022

This past Sunday we offered a Next Steps class. It's for anyone interested in learning more about The Downtown Church or wants to become a member. We want those who join to make an informed decision about their participation in this particular body of Christ. This two hour class is an opportunity for me to explain the Christian beliefs we hold in common with many other churches and denominations and some United Methodist distinctions. We also talk about the complicated structure and polity of our denomination and how that is experienced at the local level.

The best part for me is when Brian Mattson and I take the group back to August of 2014 and tell the story of how The Downtown Church came to be the church we are in 2022. We talk about the twists and turns, challenges and changes, that the Holy Spirit led us through as our vision team formed that fall. We share how we discovered our God-given vision statement that continues to guide us. We describe how a small group of faithful disciples embraced this vision and intentionally set about inviting others to join in living it out on. We explained our excitement and joy when we were able to charter as a new church in June of 2019 in the same beautiful sanctuary that for over 100 years people have gathered to learn of the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Some of the people who were in the class will choose to join at some point and that is wonderful. But for me, being with people who are new to The Downtown Church and telling the story of God’s faithfulness and the movement of the Holy Spirit we have experienced here is a huge blessing. Sitting beside my friend and colleague, Brian, and remembering how far we have come as we dream of what comes next fills my soul. And I am grateful.

Please let me know if you would like to be part of a Next Steps class or join me for a conversation. It is my pleasure to spend time with you.

See you Sunday,
Lori