Building - to make something
The above picture was taken at our East Central Synod of Wisconsin (ECSW) Synod Assembly on May 19. Catholic Bishop David Ricken is sharing the sermon at our gathering worship along with our local Bishop Gerry Mansholt (seated). The sign at the podium reminded us of the theme "We Are Lutheran; Building Bridges" as we were doing so with our Catholic friends.
This got me thinking about the word "building."
The word "building" means to make something. It can be a noun or a verb and I'd like to share one example of each. Christ the King Lutheran Church is first and foremost about people. People who primarily gather for worship and faith formation in a building (noun) at 601 E Washington Street, Combined Locks, WI, which is also called a church. We use this building to gather, hear the word of God, are fed spiritually and physically, and then sent out, into the world.
Our building is tool for ministry to all who come.
When we are sent, we are to be about "building" (verb), that is making connections or building bridges. Christ the King exists to build or make connections by showing God's love, sharing God's word, and serving God's world. On this Pentecost weekend, the Holy Spirit tends to the bonds we make when we are engaged in bridge building with people at Homeless Connections, Habitat for Humanity, Feed My Starving Children, Riverview Gardens, care for someone in need, standing up for someone begin put down, or wherever we are sent to serve God and one another.
As we have our special congregational meeting this Sunday, June 4, after the second service to discuss steps to move forward with our Building & Renovation project, I am reminded that our Lutheran heritage is about improving our building, as a noun and as a verb, to serve others freely with the Spirit's power!
God's Holy Spirit power be with you!
Pastor Nate
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017
