A STEP IN FAITH
Close your eyes and imagine what it could be. What it can be. What it will be. It’s called “vision.” Two years ago a small group of Joy Lutheran parishioners met to discuss how to raise enough money to simply put new carpet in the sanctuary. What actually evolved from that short meeting was a grander vision to create new Joy in our home of worship.
Now, armed with a congregation full of dreams and expectations, it’s our time to make it happen. To, take that step in faith. To, leave our footprint. Isn’t it interesting that the Bible says it best. Proverbs 29:18, “where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Over these past few Sundays, have you noticed we’re bulging at the seams? That’s a good thing. It also shows we desperately need more room. And, rooms. Additional space to fulfill the core mission of our being: community outreach … expanded youth programs … enhanced music opportunities and more. All completed without ever changing the intimate family environment we universally love about Joy Lutheran Church!
THE VISION. (A STEP IN FAITH)
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Suggestions include: • Add new downstairs classrooms for youth and adult education needs.
• Increase the size of our fellowship hall.
• Re-design our narthex for enhanced community outreach opportunities; for better welcome, greet and mix.
• Increase the size of our kitchen.
• Finish out the upstairs with new classrooms.
• Create a “green space” garden and meeting/worship area outside and north of the new fellowship hall.
• Create a covered porte-cochere for both beautification and weather-related convenience. |
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THE NEED. (LEAVE YOUR FOOTPRINT)
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What we need to remember is that this “step in faith” is not really for us. It’s for the future of Joy Lutheran Church. For our youth. Our new members. Our mission of “community.” It’s because if we’re not moving forward, we’re falling back.
How much do we need to raise? In a perfect world, $1.5 million. But, we do not have to do this all at once. This is a step in faith in time. A promise to do the right thing for the future of Joy and do it in a time frame that’s easier on all of us. Here’s a recommendation: make an extra three-year commitment to do what you can over and above your regular financial pledge. You can also pray and offer work time to the campaign and we would gladly welcome all three!
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THE TIME IS NOW.
Those who have traveled this road before us (remember when the church was first “visualized?”) have shown that they had the vision. In many times and many ways they reached beyond their grasp to leave a legacy for future generations. Undoubtedly, we are the recipients of the fruits of their labor and have benefited directly from their courage, sacrifice and witness. Now is the time for US to reach for more than we have grasped. The torch has been passed for us. It is OUR time to build a greater legacy for our children, our grandchildren and for future generations. It is our time to take that “step in faith.” And, to leave a lasting footprint.