I hope you are enjoying the study of Psalms this summer in worship. We will continue through August 22. I look forward to sharing with you some of the insights I have gained. August 29 we will begin our new Sunday experience, and September 12 we will expand the Sunday experience to include programming.
As all of this unfolds, I was presented two very diverse scenarios in the past few weeks that have made me stop and think about Mt. View and what we as a church believe. I already briefly told the story of the first. A person approached me in the church parking lot one Sunday morning as I was arriving to lead worship. They shared they had watched several services online and were impressed by what they had seen. This person was concerned though because they had many questions of faith and were concerned they would be judged if they asked questions. I explained that at Mt. View questions are welcomed and we are all on a journey together, seeking answers and learning from one another.
In the second incident, I received a pamphlet in the mail. Just a pamphlet addressed to Pastor, no note of explanation or even who it was from. This pamphlet contained answers to questions of faith! In very clear terms, I could read about the Bible, God, and how social justice is against both the Bible and God. There was no room for questions. As I read the words on the page, I was not surprised that I did not agree with most of them. They might have contained answers, but it also contained words of judgment, punishment, and hatred. I am so glad I am serving with all of you, who are willing to journey together in love and grace to create a space for those who are questioning. The words from our welcome statement stand out as I give thanks, “We invite you to share and explore how faith can help us make our modern world a better place for every living creature!”
I look forward to growing in faith together,
Pastor Stephanie