Greetings!   

The third week of the bible study on Paul's letter to the Galatians has concluded. This session was an interactive session that asked us the question of "which do we believe?"  Do we follow Paul's teaching or do we follow the Jewish Christian's teaching.   It was interesting to me that most in attendance at the study felt that God's grace (Paul's teaching) was enough to insure our salvation.  On Thursday mornings I have breakfast with a group of "Lutherans" and tested that thought.   I found it encouraging that they shared the same viewpoint.  It is not all about the "law" or the "traditions" but it is all about God's grace being freely given to us and, as a result, our willingness to share his love, and our love, with others.  There is some common ground upon which to build both within our church and across our "neighborhood of believers"!

The past two weeks focused on our need as a congregation to "find new ways to approach, encourage, educate and make disciples for Jesus of the peoples living in our world today" and I requested support from you.  This week at our Holly's "social" a meeting took place that sought out opinions regarding how to begin the process of determining what we need to do here at the First United Church in Michigan City to make that happen.  Your voices made it known that "you are interested." Many good ideas surfaced and a follow-up meeting is being scheduled to begin the process of defining a common vision, mission or goal to pursue. 

I hope that you find this to be encouraging news.  From experience, I have learned that when a group of talented people come together anything and everything is possible.  We will need strong backs and bright minds, meaning youth and wisdom, to be successful.  When called upon, or challenged to take part, I sincerely hope that you will join your friends in planning our future.  Ours are the hands needed to do the work of the shepherd. 

God Bless and have a great week.

John V W