From November 2015 Bethel Bell Tower newsletter
Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.
~ Matthew 14:27-29
The fall has already been very active. We started it off with the celebration of Rally Day and our Annual Church Picnic. In addition to our regular meetings to support the mission of the church, we also hosted the Greater Manassas Job Fair, and added 5 new support groups to the many groups that already meet here. We are using our building very well as we continue to be an active participant in our community.
With our building and with our lives, we are constantly called by Jesus to step out in faith … to trust … to listen … to move. By the time you read this, our annual stewardship drive will have concluded. You will no doubt hear that the once-a-year stewardship drive is actually only one piece of our stewardship. God is interested in not only the amount of time, talent, and treasure we give to the church, but how we use our whole lives. God calls us to listen to Him, trust Him, and step out in faith. Stepping out is not about simply turning off our brains and ignoring the realities before us. Stepping out in faith is, as Peter experienced, seeing the realities of the wind and waves, understanding the realities of water and gravity, hearing Jesus’ invitation, and giving Jesus’ call the higher priority. The amazing thing about this story is that Peter actually stepped out! Personally, I don’t count it as a failure that he began to sink. Instead, I applaud his courage. Peter called out “Lord, save me!” and Jesus was there to pull him up. I once heard that Jesus can’t direct your steps if you’re standing still.
In November, we will meet for a budget forum (11/8), a discussion on either building or maintaining the building (11/15), and for our Annual Congregational Meeting (11/22). We are not called to be foolish and ignore realities, but we, like Peter, are called to see the realities, acknowledge the fear, and hear Jesus’ call to step out. Exactly what that means and how we go about it will play out over the next month. I encourage all of us to speak and to listen with love, to pray, think, and to challenge.
May God continue to work through us as we live out His gospel.
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 