“Karibu tena” translates from Swahili to English as “welcome again.” It is the invitation and the hope of our brothers and sisters in Tanzania who are already excited for our next visit either here in Waukesha or in Arusha, Tanzania. There is so much to share with you. If you missed Sunday, Aug. 26, during worship or the potluck gathering that evening, please consider joining our delegates on Sunday, Sept. 23, between services for more stories and inspiration from our visit.
As we are walking into our fall programming here at Ascension, I will only take the time to share one story with you from our time in Tanzania. I have a new understanding for the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst. I am well aware of God’s timing and tending in my life. Often times, I am overwhelmed by what God is doing to shape my life and my walk in different ways.
In Tanzania, early in our trip, Bishop Elias Kitoi offered these words. He said, “In America you have all the clocks, and In Tanzania we have all the time.” A reminder that everything that happens will happen in God’s timing. Our rush to keep a schedule was limited by the smoothness of the road before us and the length of the welcome and hospitality of the place where our visiting was coming to an end. I learned to slow down and to let the rhythm of Africa and the leading of our brothers and sisters set the tone for our sense of direction and timing.
The second interaction with the Bishop of the Meru Diocese came with this story. We planted trees at every church we visited. Our first Sunday visit brought us to Maroroni Parish where the Bishop joined us for a building fundraiser during a 4½ hour service. At the end of the service, the Bishop and I planted a tree together. I got dirty, somehow he did not. When we went to take the picture together to commemorate the planting, I apologized for my dirty hands trying not to get dirt on his hands or alb. He looked at me as he grabbed my hand and said, “Pastor Chris, it is okay. In Africa, God reminds us that we all come from the dirt.” Such a simple reflection overflowing with both hospitality and relationship. I was humbled to go as a delegate to Tanzania. I was privileged to meet people of faith who now call us family across an ocean and a continent. Thanks be to God!
And now, back to the clock! Or at least back to the school year that calls us to new fall programming here at Ascension. I want to share with you two invitations for you to consider as September unfolds.
First, we are preparing for a fall small group emphasis around Max Lucado’s new book, “Anxious for Nothing.” Lucado writes these words, “Does the road you’re traveling loom large with mountains to cross, obstacles to avoid, and hairpin curves to navigate? Could you use some calm? If so, I have a scripture for you:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
This new small group study begins the week of Sept. 16. I will be leading one small group at church on Monday nights beginning on Sept. 17. Join me or ask at the small group table beginning on Sunday, Sept. 9, about other possible groups to join.
The second invitation has been brewing in my heart for a long time. In the Lutheran Christian world, we only baptize once. As the Apostle Paul says in the book of Ephesians, “4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” In our Lutheran theology, when someone is hungry for a reformation or renewal of their faith, we invite individuals to affirm their faith by entering into a time of study and reflection and spiritual discernment with the eventual response becoming a crafted and shared statement of faith affirming who they are as a disciple of Jesus.
I am excited to invite you to consider an adult confirmation experience – an affirmation of your faith with twice monthly gatherings and book study conversations; reflections on our Lutheran Christian theology, and a crafting of a public profession of faith to be shared along with the laying on of hands. Regardless of your age or your place on this journey of faith – perhaps this is an opportunity for you to consider in the days ahead. We will meet for the first time together on Monday night, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. to provide an introduction. If you can’t make that gathering but want to join us, just drop me an email and I will add you to the list.
So much is ahead of us…Opportunities to GROW like BLAST, JOLT, CRASH and Adult Education on Sunday mornings between services; Opportunities to SERVE like literacy tutoring, the NAMI walk and the Outreach for Hope bike ride; opportunities to WALK like GriefShare, small groups, Supermoms, Knit Wits; opportunities to WORSHIP like communion assistants, readers, choirs, handbells, Altar Guild, ushers, worship leaders, and well – WORSHIP. Come, join us, welcome to the ministries of God’s church – your church – Ascension Lutheran Church!
Peace be with you!
Pastor Chris
