Here in this place, the new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away
Call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.—Gather Us In (ELW 532)
These past few years of the pandemic we’ve been like cicadas buried underground, dormant, awaiting the time that we can finally emerge and see the world in the light of day. That is the image that came to mind while singing the hymn “Gather Us In” a couple of weeks ago.
And while we haven’t yet completely returned to the lives we had prior to our “forced dormancy,” most of the activities we used to enjoy are available to us once more. We are undoubtedly more careful than we were prior to 2020, but we can once again fly on airplanes, go shopping, eat out, attend church services, and so on.
Despite this, as a people, we have yet to become joyful again! Let’s face it—it’s hard to be happy when the daily news bombards us with the world’s problems, which only seem to loom larger with each passing day. If we can’t allow ourselves to be happy until these problems have been solved, then our spirits will be dim much longer than the 17 years cicadas wait underground! What, then, are we to do?
When we remember how God has come down to us, works in us, and leads us to reach out in love to neighbors near and far, we naturally respond with gratitude. Studies show that those who keep a gratitude journal, or at least maintain an internal accounting of what they are grateful for, have a brighter outlook than those who do not take the time to be grateful. Sometimes we have to look hard for the good, but it is there! Keeping those people and things that bring us joy at the forefront of our thoughts can reduce negativity, but we shouldn’t stop there. We can then take that gratitude for God’s daily blessings and transform it into actions that serve our world. We have been abundantly blessed by God, and our response is to reach out to our neighbors to share that love. In doing this, we not only address the growing needs of our world, but we also enhance our own happiness and wellbeing, yet another blessing that can be channeled back into an outpouring of love. It’s a cycle—a beautiful cycle of blessings and love, gratitude, and service.
As the church, we have been both tasked and gifted with the opportunity to share that love. As just one individual, our ability to help may be limited, but as the church, our effect can be much greater. During September, each Sunday bulletin included a handout listing the ways in which our ELCA organizations are working to meet the needs of our neighbors and links to the organizations’ websites. There you will find ways to donate money as well as volunteer your time.
To function, the church—our church—needs both our financial support and our personal involvement at whatever level each of us is able to provide. Think about the many ways you have been blessed this past year, and then consider the world’s needs and God’s call to you.
Please use the enclosed 2022 form to make a commitment of your time, talents, and treasures. You may wish to refer to the stewardship calculator to help you plan your financial commitment. You may use the enclosed Electronic Funds Transfer Form if you prefer to give electronically from your bank account.
We ask that you return your commitment form to the church (you may bring it, mail it, or scan and email it to commitments@lchwelcome.org) before Sunday, November 20, when we will be dedicating them in worship.
With God’s help, let us shake off the darkness of these past few years and once again live in the light so that we may bring that light to others. We thank you in advance for your commitment to the mission God has called us to at LCH, and we look forward to being gathered in and sent out with you, in service together, as the church.
With grateful hearts to you as you live your lives as Stewards of God’s love,
Your Stewardship Team: Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Walter Cummings
Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter, and Cindy Scheinert