So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide

in God, and God abides in them. - 1 John 4:16

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October, 2023

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Dear Ascension Family, ​

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This year’s stewardship campaign, Abide in Love | Live with Purpose, has been a joy for me. Our members' written and spoken reflections have once again deepened my understanding of the scriptures and faith. They have also helped me to know our members better. I hope you have also enjoyed receiving these reflections week by week.

 

Furthermore, I am very connected to the theme this year. The word ‘abide’ is unique. I don’t hear it very often, apart from in scripture. The only contemporary use that comes to mind is in the movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, speaking of himself in the third person, says, “The Dude abides.” This can be a good illustration of the meaning of the word. Throughout the movie, all sorts of bizarre things happen, and the character persists in being himself.

 

We hear ‘abide’ in our scriptures concerning love and being Christ. To Abide in Love is to seek a sustaining love that remains at the surface and deep within us no matter what is happening. Love should be the foundation on which everything else is built. Love should be our guiding force. We should be known for our love of God, of one another, and of God’s entire creation.

 

“Abide in Love” is sufficient for an entire campaign. That is where the committee began, adding “Live with Purpose.” I think this addition is vital. We are called to be Christ to the world, which requires great intentionality. “Live with Purpose” reminds us that love requires us to be intentional and proactive. Our sustained, omnipresent love can benefit from the motivation to live purposefully.

 

One addition to this year's campaign has been the Sunday morning verbal reports from all of our committee chairpersons. As this idea came about, we hoped it would highlight the many ways Ascension exhibits its love for the world and its people. We also hoped it would help each member consider their purpose, how they can serve one another, and how they can serve the community in which we find ourselves.

 

Something special happens as all of these pieces come together. Together, our love is magnified, which helps sustain it when we struggle individually and helps us to discern our purpose better and live it out more fully. I hope you can use this letter, the other materials in this packet, and the reflections of this campaign as you prayerfully consider how God is equipping and calling you to Abide in Love and Live with Purpose.

 

Blessings -