What Is Going On? - An Update from Pastor Erick - January 20, 2021
I assume that at Mountainview, like in any community, people like to know what is going on. I also assume that, without gathering in-person to worship, there are less informal after-service conversations from which to find out what is going on. If those assumptions are even somewhat correct, then maybe this will help.
I plan to write to you weekly, at least for the next while, so that you can get to know what we are up to, how I work, and I guess a bit about my communication style.
1. Life verse – Sunday’s sermon included an assignment. In case you missed it: please send me your life-verse by email ericks@mountainviewcrc.org or text 4166898721. We are off to a good start. Thank you! I will be writing them in my copy of the 2021 directory to help me keep track. And I look up your picture in the Bridge App to make sure I see who is sending the verse. So please make sure your info is up to date and keep the life verses coming. What a wonderful way to learn about you, especially when you share the story behind the verse. Thanks again.
2. Sermon series – the plan is to be “Learning Missional Practices” for the next few months. Practices are actions, so be prepared for a few more assignments. The first four are the foundations: Word, Spirit, Service, Community which roughly line up with the elements of Acts 2:42. For the season of Lent, we will be looking spiritual gifts and inviting you to join a small group conversation about that. The sermons on gifts will also line up with the elements of Acts 2:42. For now, that is the extent of the preaching plan.
3. Meeting, visiting, connecting – since we cannot meet in person at this time, I am working on creative ways to connect with you. The Life Verse assignment and looking through the Bridge App are two. If you would like to talk about something, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You have my contact information. We will get to meeting in person in due time.
4. Learning the ropes through reading and meetings – I plan to attend any meeting (online) I can for the next while and I have access to plenty of documents so that I can learn what has been happening here and in the region over the last while. I am connecting with staff and the chairperson of different teams. Through those discussions I am starting to get a feel for the culture of Mountainview.
5. Installation – we will have a transition Sunday on February 14. Fittingly, it is also Valentine’s Day, so we can thank Pastor Mike on his last Sunday by sharing our love for him even as we exchange the vows of installation that marry me to Mountainview ministry.
6. Moving – in short, we are trying. The market is challenging right now but we are learning our way through it and hope to be able to tell you soon that we have purchased a home. Thank you for your prayers and support in this entire transition. We have felt thoroughly welcomed even without being able to see each other.
7. Trust – I simply trust that God has brought us together for this time. It is significant that we start our journey together in such a strange time. I believe God is at work and even though we are heading into a new normal, He is able to guide us into ways of participating deeply in His mission as we step out in faith. I am excited to see where the Holy Spirit takes us.
Pastor Erick