Welcome to the New Year! Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? I cannot speak for you, but I know in my heart that there are many resolutions I could make.
Many of us resolve to exercise more regularly or to lose some weight. Many of us resolve to eat more healthy meals. Some of us resolve to read the Bible more often or to pray daily. Some of us resolve to attend church more frequently. There are those among us who resolve to take better care of God’s creation or to be wiser stewards of God’s gifts of time, talent and wealth.
I invite you to consider one more New Year’s resolution. As you know, Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church is regarded by our neighbors as a friendly and welcoming church. That reputation has happened because of your efforts, especially on Sundays. During our in-person/zoom hybrid worship service you have noticed and acknowledged visitors and guests…taking the time to have conversations with them. I invite you to be even more deliberate.
Take the time to meet two new people each Sunday. When you see visitors or guests or simple people you do not know well attending worship, whether by zoom or in-person, resolve to speak to at least two of them. Take the time to get to know each other. Learn their first names. Strike up a conversation. Learn about their families, where they live, what they do.
Above all, let everyone know how glad you are that they worship at Shepherd of the Mountains.
Invite them to join with you next Sunday as well so that together you can continue to enjoy the blessed New Year. Together celebrate the joy of our Lord!
Christ’s Peace, Pastor Steve