All fall and into the spring, we want to make disciples who love God, love people, and live like Jesus by:
So, I want to take a moment and share three points of unity that are fostering a culture of care and belonging as we embrace being a church (a people!) both onsite and online. Honor What do you do when everybody has a preference? When it comes to wearing face coverings, each of us has feelings, reasonings, and understandings of what they do and what they mean. ...and that's normal and very much OK. Right now, perhaps for reasons only God really knows, the State of Washington requires all people regardless of vaccination status to wear a face covering while in public spaces. As Jesus followers, we choose to come together in unity not over our preference of wearing face coverings, but in the unity of faith which honors the authorities God has placed in our lives (Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2:2). We also choose to honor each other's preferences over our own (Philippians 2) by wearing a face covering while on-campus. If you need a mask, we have plenty onsite as you enter any of our campus facilities. Where else do you see honor promoting unity in your life? "Be" the Church The unified church is seen wherever people are gathered together around God’s Word and promises - wherever they are. Jesus followers are never satisfied with only “going” to church onsite or online - we want to “be” the church everywhere we go. That’s why most everything we do onsite can be translated into an online or at-home experience. For example, we worship as "be" one united church in how we worship.
Another example of "being" the united church is Faith in Action. While the context or location of faith in action may change, you are choosing to be united as once church by living generously and living your life on mission - wherever you are... which happens onsite when people gather for a variety of service projects and can also happen right where you are - with the people in your life (even those who may not know Jesus or go to church).
You may know something your local neighborhood needs - you can give Kristi a call or send her an email at kristi@oslc.com to figure out how best you and some friends can make things happen. That’s faith in action. While the context or location of faith in action may change, you are choosing to be united as once church by living generously and living your life on mission - wherever you are. One last example: We grow in unity through Youth and Adult Life Groups and Bible Studies which help you become the intergenerational body of Christ. While some groups meet onsite, others find growth opportunities in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and wherever else they find themselves.
Again, Jesus’ church is wherever people are gathered around God’s Word and promises. That’s why most everything we do onsite can be translated into an online or at-home experience - right where you are. Care We are united in our care for each other and our community. This unity flows from the love of Jesus who cares for each of us - right where we are.
So, let's continue to be unified in honoring others, "being the church", and caring for each other as we move into October and November - onsite... online... right where we are. I’m praying that you stay healthy and that together we continue to make disciples who love God, love people, and live like Jesus - everywhere. Love you! Comments are closed.
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Pastor Tim Meet Pastor TimTim Bayer has served as Our Savior's Lead Pastor since September 2019. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Concordia University - Irvine, a National Leadership Facilitator and Resource, and with the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Archives
December 2024
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