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Pastor's Letter
Moving Forward in Faith
He looked up and saw more stars than he could ever count—even if he were to spend every moment of every day of the rest of his life attempting to do so. He remembered how much sand tended to get between his toes in his sandals. He knew he couldn’t even count all of those minor granules let alone all of the sand that surrounded him. And, yet, he would have a number of blessings greater than both of these. He would have a legacy more vast than he could ever dream.
He believed that with his entire being. And, so Abram changed his name, moved his wife, and traveled the world trusting in God’s promise (Genesis Chapter 15). Now, all who believe in our Lord have been adopted as heirs into his family tree (Romans 8). We can him “Grandpa.” And, our faith lives would never have been the same without him. He rejoiced that day in heaven when Jesus came to us (John Chapter 8).
Many of my nights are spent walking along Del Monte Beach in the dark. I walk out towards Seaside, gazing up at the stars and feeling the sand fill my shoes. It gives me peace and comfort. It renews me to hear the water and feel alone but know that I am not alone. Just as God was with Abraham, He’s also with you and me.
Out there on the shore, I have time to think and sometimes ponder silly things or listen to music or pick up a new audiobook. But, most often, I also contemplate our church and our society and what it means to “worship God as a loving community, that grows in faith, and shares the gospel of Christ!” Then, I turn around and see--up against a pitch-black backdrop, there are stars of Monterey—her lights—shimmering and shining out. And, (metaphorically) our church is meant to be the brightest beacon among them: a star of Bethlehem.
God has put us here for a reason.
His Spirit has been working through BLC for almost 100 years now. He has blessed us with baptisms and a wedding; youth trips and fellowship; love and hope and overwhelming support even in just my short time here with you. And, I trust that he will give you a vast legacy along this shoreline… revealing one opportunity after the next.
Just look at what He has done already: The Chamber of Commerce is always glad to see me as your representative to the area; The Blue Zones Project is excited to work with us, to create community and emphasize a need for faith; NA, AA, and Al-Anon are all building a repertoire with us, knowing that we can be a much-needed home for them; Taiko and I-HELP have always been around; the Word of God is preached at Merrill Gardens and the Cottages of Carmel; we are strengthening our relationship with Faith and other local churches and nonprofits; and as we sustain stronger connections with the community the community will know Whom we worship and why we care: Because of Jesus’ wonderful love for us.
In His love,
Pastor Josh Schmidt
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