Page 5 - July 2018 Traveler

ty to be more than just a pew-sitter. It is a call to take the story of God’s love out into the
public sector, to care for and about our community in real and tangible ways.

The truth is, I may have been very taken with Pr. Bouman’s presentation because this is the
very initiative we here at Trinity began engaging in nearly two years ago now in a very intense
way. We have lived-out this challenge over these many months in ministries like our prayer
shawls, the Blessing Boxes, the CSA Garden, the quilt making, vacation bible school, Caring

Hearts, and our many Senior ministries. We have taken on new ministries and have ramped
up and refreshed our older ministries and we have done so with a new understanding of what
it means to tell the old stories of our faith that we love so very much. We have done so,
knowing that the Church isn’t our building, but rather who WE ARE out in the world. We
have been intentional about engaging those outside our walls, speaking of our ministries and
why we do them, and inviting others to join us in our endeavors, and in so doing, lived-out

Pr. Bouman’s challenge in a real way. I will be honest and tell you it was gratifying to know
we are on the right track and that we can count ourselves as leaders in, “telling the old, old
story.”

That being said, there are always additional and even better ways to tell the story of God’s
love. What I know for a fact is that while there are some in our congregation who are en-
gaged in this effort, we really do need everyone to be part of our ministries. Your help makes
such an incredible impact! While we may not see the actual fruits of our labors in a tangible
way I can absolutely guarantee you that your effort is not in vain. Every time you lend a hand
you make a difference in this world, every time you share our story and invite others to par-
ticipate you are living-out that grand old hymn and making real God’s grace to others.

For those of you who have been an active part of our public ministries, I thank you! You are
deeply appreciated and I am not only in awe of your work but daily learn from you. It is with
gratitude that I find myself profoundly moved by all the ways people in this congregation have
stepped forward to tell the old, old story and there have been countless times when your wit-

ness has strengthened me as well as others in the Durand community. I thank you for telling
that story, and your partnership as we move forward and out into the community!

Profoundly grateful,
Pastor Pat

The Synod’s website has highlights from the 2018 Synod Assembly!

There are videos, pictures, and more.

Click on above image for link.