Some days are just so full of joy that I can’t even believe I am blessed to do this work. It really is a gift to my spirit to witness the ministry I see happening around this synod. Today was another one of those days, as I joined the members at Covenant Lutheran in Temple for the dedication of their building addition.
Bulletin for the Dedication service with their mission statement and Building project theme
The addition was totally about enhancing the mission of their church and to make them more accessible, more welcoming, and better able to do the work of feeding the hungry.
Building for Mission
The service began by gathering all the attending souls together for a group photo at the portico (bridge) that welcomes people of all ages and abilities with a sloped approach and a covered entrance. Pr. Heath Abel welcomed everyone with a reminder of why this is an important piece to their mission.
Caroline Brown (the woman in purple) set this all in motion 5 years ago after the congregation adopted their new mission statement. She began the service with the opening prayer.
Pastor Heath Abel shared a message at every stop along the dedication about how each addition was about the work of God and the mission of the church. We gathered in the narthex at the cross which ties to the sanctuary stained glass window. His message was about how we always gather around the cross, and we not only fulfill the mission but we fill the community with every person’s unique gifts and work.
Members filled the hallway to the two new classrooms and two handicap accessible bathrooms.
And then there was cake! We finished with the dedication of the expanded kitchen, which enables them to better prepare their monthly meal for Feed My Sheep. They feed about 250 people every month, and needed much better space for preparation.
The work for Feed My Sheep is a real example of growth in ministry. They began five years ago, volunteering to feed an estimated 37 homeless people for the meal. 87 showed up. Every month it grew – to 150, to 200, to 250 on average. Not all are homeless, but all are in need. It really is a congregational mission for Covenant, and every person helps to support it in some way. They are a blessing!
Today warmed my heart and moved me in so many ways. I consider myself blessed to be in mission with this congregation, and to call Heath Abel a colleague. This is why I love what I do!
