Call, Tears, and New Beginnings

Hello Church,

This is a special week at Emmanuel.  It is a week of change and appreciation....some sadness, but also some excitement.  It is a week of considering our Call and praying for those who answer it.  I hope you can make it Sunday at 10:30 (and for the ice cream afterwards).

First, our Columbia Mission Team leaves for another trip to Brisas Del Mar.  Another opportunity to engage presents itself and several from Emmanuel are going.  We will pray for them as they travel and show God's love. 

Second, we will spend some time loving on the Pollitts.  Emmanuel's Co-Op Youth program with Amelia is ending September 1st and Beth is taking a paid staff position at Amelia UMC as their Youth Leader.  It is a good opportunity for her, but also a difficult change.  James, Beth and Bella will be attending Amelia UMC and leaving Emmanuel.

There's a mixture of emotion for me and I suspect it will be the same for many of you.  The Pollitts have been a big part of Emmanuel and you will be able to share that significance on Sunday.  There will be tears, but there will also be hope and expectation.  While they are only moving down the road a bit, it will be a chance for Beth to continue the pursuit of her Call. 

Please know the importance that Emmanuel has in all of this too.  We have worked with Beth to help her grow into her Call.  That is a big part of what churches do.... help others identify and answer divine Call.  While we are sad they are leaving, we should also be glad that we lived into our role.  Please come and share in this celebration because it is a celebration even if it is a difficult one.

Finally, know that Emmanuel's role in raising people up in their Call doesn't end.  Plans will be in place by September to launch a Youth and Children's program.  New leaders with new Calls are being identified.  We continue to move forward.  While it is a new start for Beth, it is also a new start for Emmanuel. 

So, again, I hope you can come Sunday at 10:30 (and the free ice cream afterwards).  God will be there and it will be good.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe