Tag: Pastor Chris Marien

Room for Everyone

In the middle of July as we were still preparing for the CRASH mission trip to North Carolina, something wonderful was beginning to take shape. Pastor Edwin and I discussed whether or not it was smart to schedule a bilingual worship with BBQ and potluck immediately following our return from North Carolina. I asked Pastor Edwin if he thought we could pull it off. “Of course,” he said. And then Pastor Edwin went to work – talking to Mark about bringing together men from Amen to coordinate the kitchen work and BBQ and then a conversation with Lino about minding the Blackstone and another conversation with Maria about to where to buy the meat for tacos. All of a sudden, we had the basics planned and confirmed, all within the span of a couple of hours. Pastor Edwin was a man possessed.

On the 19^th – the kitchen came alive with voices and smells of hamburgers and taco meat and brats and baked beans and warm desserts and salads aplenty. The gift of gathering for the BBQ potluck after worship was about so much more than food. I sometimes get nervous when I think we will run out of space – when we have not planned enough seating for the hoped-for crowd to be comfortable. Worship was glorious that Sunday. 8:30 was rich with the sound of voices raised in praise of our God – handbells ringing praise – piano and organ brought to life by Vicki’s talented hands and feet. (I still do not understand how she makes the hands do one thing and the feet do another. A story for another time.) And at 10am worship, the Praise Band took up the entire altar area. Nine musicians coming together to lead worship – well, 10 if you count Pastor Tony back by the palms – though he was kind of a silent partner. Music in English and Spanish, preaching to share God’s Word in two languages, communion for all, and then on to a feast where we, of course, ran out of seats. And as is always true at Ascension, people figured it out. New members sat next to long-time members. English speakers sat at tables with Spanish speakers. Introductions happened. Connections were made. And when the seating ran out in West Hall, people spilled into the narthex and into the Hearth Room and there was laughter ringing from many corners of the church that day. It was glorious and all to the glory of God.

There is so much that happens behind the scenes to bring about such moments in ministry at Ascension. It might be one of the high privileges of the pastors to be able to see the behind-the-scenes planning and preparation that brings such events to life. Outside the church, some might call it luck. Inside the church, we give credit to the work of the Holy Spirit and celebrate the faithfulness of individuals who work to strengthen our community of faith and tend their own relationship with God and with fellow Christians.

We have much to be thank God for at Ascension. Holy moments of ministry happen when we least expect the Holy Spirit to be at work. August will be no different. Backpack blessings are coming at the end of August. September will usher in our last outdoor worship experience and the fall kick-off to programming and a welcome home for all who have traveled over the summer and we will gather to celebrate God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday on Sept. 13 as well with a “Newborn Supply Pack” where the entire congregation can participate at every age to prepare newborn kits to be assembled and packed and then gathered in Minneapolis and packed to be sent to countries like Tanzania where our companion synod might receive some of the kits and also parts of Central and South America where our friends in El Salvador might receive some of the kits as well. More information will find its way to your inbox and bulletins and newsletter as we move through August. Keep watch. We will invite you to join us on the journey of faith and to the glory of God behind the scenes and sometime neck deep in the preparations right alongside each other members at Ascension and new friends wondering if this might place might become their spiritual home. So much to be grateful for as we look to the days ahead.

See you in church,

Pastor Chris

(Reprinted from the August 2026 newsletter.)

Pastor Chris Marien

The Light of Resurrection

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

What a joy it is to live in these Easter days. Regardless of the current state of the world, the suffering we witness, the grief we bear – still, still – there is joy to be found in the light of the resurrection. The empty tomb reminds us of God’s promise of abundant life. The power of life over death – no matter how heavy the burden we bear.

On a recent Sunday, Pastor Tony preached about the disciples on the road to Emmaus, saying that the resurrection reminds us that “the worst thing is never the last thing.” Sharing with us that although we are well-acquainted with suffering and death – neither will have the last word in this life or the next. That is a reminder I need again and again. This is the good news of God for each of us.

Ascension continues to stand as a beacon of that good news in this community and beyond. On Sunday the 19^th of April, we had no less than seven first-time visitors. That is amazing and a little shocking. I was able to greet each one and learn their names, introduce myself, and welcome them. We never know why first-time visitors enter our doors.

How did they learn about Ascension?
Have they watched the livestream before considering an in-person visit?
Did a current member, who might be their friend, invite them?
What are they looking for in a spiritual home?

These are the questions I consider asking each visitor – recognizing that I might overwhelm them at any moment with even one question. So, I am more content to simply welcome them and share that I am glad they found their way to worship on that first visit. But the second visit- all bets are off. It is a wonderful thing to be able to share the joy of Ascension. For visitors to share their perspective with us. I often hear visitors say that they are surprised to be greeted by pastors or other members of the church. I often here a visitor share the lively energy they feel when experiencing worship. And sometimes I hear visitors say they felt welcome before anyone even talked to them. It just might be true that new flooring, bright walls, and good lighting to speak to visitors before ever a member opens their mouth in greeting. I feel like I might have said that once or twice in the last sixteen years as one of your pastors. It is also true that the tending of the outside of our church – the flowerbeds, lawns, parking lot, Memorial Gardens, Ash Garden also speak welcome before ever we greet someone in person.

Here at Ascension, we bank on our hospitality – the welcome we offer to everyone who enters our doors. It is one of our non-negotiable lines in the sand. Everyone is welcome. We love, because God first loved us. I think I read that somewhere as well. It is wonderful that we, the community of Ascension, continue to learn and grow in our understanding of that welcome for all people.

Over the past month I have asked for people to come and clean-out the sanctuary and then for people to move everything back in. We had more than 20 for the move-out and more than 30 for the move-in. I am grateful beyond words for the ways in which people show up to help. Two weeks ago, I asked for twin beds for Pastor Edwin’s newly-arrived family. We had no less than four beds in the matter of an hour. Dear People of God – this is what it means to welcome, to show up, to love, and to live this life in the glow of Easter joy and resurrection promise.

See you in church!

Pastor Chris

(Reprinted from the May 2026 newsletter)

Until Sunday

If ever there was a moment of divine intervention in the world before the shouts of, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia,” it may very well be the somewhat insignificant moment when two of the disciples, following the orders of Jesus, enter the holy city and find a colt, untie it, in order to bring it to Jesus, only to have the owner of the colt ask, “why are you untying the colt?” The disciples respond with, “the Lord needs it.” And without a moment’s hesitation, the owner allows the colt to be taken.

The colt was worth much: a possible stream of income; a mode of transportation; a means of support. Yet, the owner, upon hearing “the Lord needs it” honors the request of the disciples. It is a strange interaction, and the owner receives no moment of honor in scripture. We do not know if the animal’s owner was a follower of Jesus. We only hear the disciple’s statement of need. This, for me, is a moment of divine intervention, however insignificant. In the Old Testament, the prophet Zechariah, spoke of a day when the Messiah would come:

“Tell the daughter of Zion, look, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

We are quickly approaching the gates of Jerusalem. Or perhaps by the time you read this, we will already be well on our way to the upper room for the Last Supper. Much has happened. Miracles and mischief, planning and plotting.

In these last days of the life of Jesus, it is not simply a colt the Lord has need of – it is us. The Lord has need of our commitment to follow, even in our questions and our doubts. The Lord has need of our willingness to be faithful even when we do not understand. The Lord has need of each of us – even as we might stumble – we are the hands and feet of the One who calls us by name. It is, for me, all divine intervention and, dear friends, there is nothing insignificant about the invitation to follow. The shouts of “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday will give way to the whispers of stories and laughter at the Last Supper. The conversation at dinner in the upper room will descend into an olive grove for prayer where we will meet struggle and betrayal. The betrayal will lead to arrest and acceptance of what is to come. And what will come, will be at the hands of Roman soldiers. A cross will rise and a Savior will be nailed to that cross. Yet the Savior will not be held by nails, he will be held by love. A moment of divine intervention for each of us.

From Good Friday, we will know only darkness and defeat.

Until Sunday comes. When brave women, breaking rules, will find their way to the grave of their friend – their teacher – their Savior; only to find the stone rolled away and the grave empty. The sun will rise that morning to tell a new story of divine intervention. A new story of life when all was thought lost. A new story of hope when all was thought defeated. A new story of joy where all was thought grief. It will be Mary Magdalene who will first set eyes on the risen Savior, her friend, Jesus. Soon enough, we too, will hear the shouts of “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” Our hearts will beat faster. Our ears will ring. Our eyes will seek the face of our Savior. And the good news will once again be reminded to us. “He is risen just as he said.” One more moment of divine intervention to change the whole world – to change our own little world – forever. What a week it will be!

Maybe this is the year, you find yourself in worship for each of these holy days – these divine interventions in the world as we know it to be. “Tell the daughter of Zion, look, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” My friends, the King is coming. And you are invited to join your Savior, and the rest of us, on the journey. “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!”

Welcome to Holy Week at Ascension.

See you on the road.

Pastor Chris

Easter Pastor Chris Marien resurrection

My Favorite Story

For a time, in church, I must have used an opening line one too many times. At the beginning of one sermon too many, I began with the words, “this is my favorite story in the Bible.” Now if you do not find yourself in worship each Sunday and you happen to miss a sermon or two – how could you possibly know I used that line to begin an earlier sermon? But one young man, listening to my opening line for apparently the fourth time in a row, leaned over to his mom and said, “they can’t all be his favorite stories, can they?” Touché.

Perhaps every Bible story I have come to love as a favorite says less about the degree of favoritism and more about my love for the overarching story of God’s love for us and the ways I find each “favorite” story weaves into our lives at one moment or another. This is also true of the season of Lent. The “story” of Lent is a journey of faith. As children of God, we remember we are loved. As disciples of Jesus, we hear the call to follow. In the season of Lent, both, should be easier for us to be and do.

It is certainly easy enough for us in Lent. Over the past couple of weeks and into the next several weeks, we will hear stories of Jesus being tempted; of a doubter struggling to believe; of a woman at a well finding forgiveness and faith; of a man born blind being healed; of a dead man come back to life; and a procession to welcome a Savior. All are stories we children of God; disciples of Jesus are hungry to hear and know in our own lives. Whether we are hearing these stories for the first time or the fortieth time in a fresh way. Still the Word of God speaks to us – our hurts, our hearts, and our hope.

Each of us walks this road of Lent – each of us chooses how closely we follow the footsteps of our Savior. At Ascension there are multiple opportunities to enrich your journey. On Wednesday nights, more than 140 will gather each week for soup at 6pm and worship from 6:45-7:15 p.m. On Thursdays, there is an hour book study entitled “The Message of Jesus” at 10:30 a.m. and a 30-minute worship with communion from 11:30am-12:00pm. JOLT and CRASH will share in their annual Shop and Serve Event on March 1^st beginning at 4pm. The Chosen Video Series continues on Monday mornings and evenings. A Lenten Prayer Devotional Packet is available to mark each day of the season of Lent. You can pick one up at the Welcome Center. First Communion classes begin in March and New Member conversations will take place inviting visitors to consider making Ascension their spiritual home. And before we know it, Holy Week will be upon us with Palm Sunday announcing the arrival of our Savior into the holy city. And what an entry it will be. Palm branches and shouts of “hosanna” will fill the air. We will find ourselves in an upper room for a meal with friends and center ourselves with prayers in a garden. We will remember the arrest and humiliation of our Savior and follow his slow and difficult footsteps to the foot of the cross.

How will we find the rhythm of our steps to follow Jesus in this season? God invites us to follow. We only need listen to the One who calls our name. We are “beloved.” Wherever we have wandered, still God calls us home.

See you on the road.

Pastor Chris

Reprinted from the March 2026 newsletter

Pastor Chris Marien

The Arrival of Lent

Well friends, by the time you read this article we will be less than 3 weeks from Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Where does the time go? I just put the nativity away and already Easter bunnies and Easter eggs have arrived in the greeting card aisle at Target. Mercy.

It is not that I do not want to celebrate Easter for as long as possible, but it does feel like we barely catch our breath from Christmas angels and Epiphany visitors who followed a star, and immediately find ourselves looking at our reflection in the mirror to see how well the pastor placed the cross in ashes on our forehead this year.

Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent is always a signpost on the road of faith. In earlier days of ministry, All Saints Sunday was the day that I would take notice of the names read aloud – faithful ones who had entered into the promise of eternal life. Yet I find our worship on Ash Wednesday to be the marker for life transitions. Perhaps because the ashes are a reminder of what was and what will one day be again. This life we live is but a moment. Who knelt to receive ashes last year that is no longer present with us this year? If I am being honest, the cloud of witnesses that now gather around God’s throne with each passing Ash Wednesday seem to sing praises to God just a little bit louder each year.

Last week I walked into the narthex before the rest of the staff arrived and I swore I heard music playing. I knew Vicki was on vacation and for just a moment I wondered if the angels had arrived to bring me home. I don’t mind telling you that I carefully and slowly kept walking forward unsure of what I would find. It turns out one of our television monitors had shifted to quiet, background music after a momentary power outage. But still, when I hear beautiful music at an unexpected time, I do wonder if I missed the sign that my time on this earth was winding down.

But until that time, there is work to do. There is: a welcome to offer; someone to love; someone to serve; someone to support; someone who needs your prayers; someone who needs your willingness to listen; and someone who needs, more than anything else, to know they are seen. Does this sound like ministry? I think there are times when we believe the term ministry only applies to Bibles being read and prayers being prayed and people are being fed. All of that is ministry, of course. And yet, there is a simplicity to God’s call on our lives. From Matthew 25:

³⁴“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’³⁷“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’⁴⁰“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Truth be told, it is easier to read what Jesus says than it is to actually practice what Jesus teaches. This the beauty of our faith in God. We often make the practice of our faith much more difficult than God ever intended. Come to the Farmer’s Market – live out your faith. Provide a dish for the next funeral reception – live out your faith. Pray for rain for our sisters and brothers in Tanzania – live out your faith. Remember the overlooked child of God in the margin of this life and imagine their place for even a moment – live out your faith. The season of Lent calls us to all of this and so much more, not out of guilt or obligation but out of joy and a grateful heart for what God has done for us through his journey to the cross, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. It is too early for a “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” But never fear, Easter will be here before we know it.

Dear friends, blessings on the journey before us. You are called. You are loved. And we have work to do to the glory of God!

See you in church.

Pastor Chris

Lent Pastor Chris Marien

God Is Here

The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. It is not possible to keep it from coming, because it will. That’s just how Advent works. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s hindquarters fade in the distance.

So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait.
Behold. Wonder.
There will be time enough for running.
For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay.
Wait.
Something is on the horizon. ~ Author Jan Richardson.

Advent is my favorite time of year. Yes, some of you will accuse me of saying that about Lent and Easter, but it is really true of Advent. Last year, when several of our pastoral colleagues used the Celtic Advent Calendar, which offers six Sundays to the season of Advent, I was tempted to make the switch, but then all the things – budget hearing, annual meeting, Thanksgiving must all squish together in clunky ways and the one thing I dislike more than anything else is when things are “clunky.”

Advent, for me, has become the “great surrender.” For several years now, I have shifted the days of Advent to less running around and more opportunity for quiet. “How do you do that pastor?” Ah, well, first there is little that must be decided in a meeting in the month of December that will not wait until January or could not be concluded in November. Which means more nights at home in front of the fire with family. This new schedule means more dinners together as family around the table with the lighting of the Advent wreath before we pray over dinner so we might honor the slow progression of the days leading us to the manger. It means no JOLT on Thursdays so that there might be lingering moments with a friend over a warm cup of coffee. This surrender means that I will let go of the schedule that is always leading my days so that I might be drawn to what my soul longs for instead of what my schedule shouts at me.

And like last year, I’ve added an opportunity for study and reflection with a three-week book study to focus anyone who wishes to walk the road of Advent. This year, we will reflect on the “Voices of Advent,” a book written by Dr. Matthew Skinner, a professor at Luther Seminary. You will have opportunity to sign up ahead of time and join me on either Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. or on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. beginning on Dec. 2 and 3 respectively. Along with the book study, we are offering a new opportunity for quiet, reflective worship with communion at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in Advent, much like what some of you experienced this past Lent. A half hour worship with music, prayer, scripture, devotion, and communion. All nicely brought together in a half hour worship. It is but one additional way I surrender to the season of Advent and the call of the star to follow.

It has been a most glorious year of ministry. As the church year closed on Christ the King Sunday and began again on Nov. 30^th with the First Sunday of Advent, nightfall is longer, temperatures lead us to winter, and the weather invites us to linger in warm conversations that keep us together for a moment or two longer. And so I will practice the “great surrender” once again this season and invite you to join me.

“Through the dark of Advent. There is hope that whispers: God is here.” A promise we have known all along – a promise, we need only remind ourselves and each other, will never not be true. May Advent be a time to stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running and rushing around. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.

See you in church.

Pastor Chris

2025 Advent Christmas Pastor Chris Marien

Enjoying the Mess of Ministry

The Swedish Chef of Muppets fame was one of my favorite characters on the television show. First, because you could not understand a single thing he said because it was in “Swedish,” apparently. Second, because in every sketch where the Swedish chef made an appearance, he also made a mess. One of my favorite moments was when he would use a mixing bowl and add excessive amounts of flour and start stirring and the flour would fly out of the bowl and form clouds of flour dust that often resulted in a fine layer of flour on every surface including the Swedish chef.

As I was reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, I found myself reliving a feeling I often experience at this time each year – overwhelmed. Some might know that word to be frightening as when the world gets to be “too much.” I have known that feeling also. Yet, at Ascension, to use the word “overwhelmed” is to lift up all that God is doing in us and through us in celebration and joy. I am often struck by what God is up to which causes me to marvel at the mission and ministry offered in and through all of you, the people of Ascension.

So perhaps it will come as no surprise that the Stewardship theme for 2026 is: “In the Mix in 2026!” Where are you “in the mix” at Ascension? Oh boy, this will go on for miles. I hope so. We all know ministry is messy. Some of our best ideas arrive in our messiest moments. Just ask anyone who sits too close during the children’s time in worship. As we consider our strategic plan for the next ten years of ministry at Ascension, I wonder where you might see yourself “in the mix?”

An elder member of the church called me the other day to offer some suggestions for the future. What I appreciated about the conversation is that this member offered a great moment of vision, something that will fall right in line with our Arise 2035 vision, and I am not sure they even knew how excited I was to hear the idea. The conversation reminded me that everyone has a voice and a dream, regardless of age, if only, we are reminded that what we dream is worthy of God’s attention. So again, where are you “in the mix in 2026?”

How will God use you in the coming year? As we gather to vote on the budget for 2026 and bless the Arise 2035 vision to guide Ascension for the next ten years of ministry, where will you find a place to serve “in the mix” at Ascension? Worship? Of course. Prayer? Yes, please. Bible Study? I hope so. Communion server? Altar Guild? Choir? Council member? Habitat for Humanity? Hope Center? NAMI? Healing Hearts of Waukesha County? Hawthorne Elementary School tutor? Women’s Retreat? Young Adult ministry? Any one of those opportunities for ministry will answer God’s call on your life to get you “in the mix in 2026.”

We are in celebration mode here at Ascension. A time of thanksgiving for all that God has been up to over the past year, and all that God is preparing for us in the days ahead. The reception of new members on October 19^th was a glorious moment in the life and ministry of Ascension – 37 new members – to be encouraged and nurtured in their new spiritual home while inspiring our community with their faithfulness and sharing their gifts for ministry among us all to the glory of God. An increase in giving, beyond imagination, in this moment in time. Where many churches are struggling to afford the basics of ministry, we are celebrating the generosity of this community – as long-time members are providing increases in their regular giving and new members to our community are committing to walk alongside Ascension in time and talent and resource providing for an increase in giving of more than $55,000 in the first three quarters of 2025.

Our budget for 2026 reflects an increase in revenue and expenses of more than 10%, which might cause me to pause in support, except for the fact that almost 7% of that revenue increase has already been realized in 2025 offering so far this year. Which means that our actual budget increase in 2026 is a small but mighty 3.4% or $30,000 give or take. 2026 Proposed budgets will be available beginning on Sunday, October 26^th at the Welcome Center in the narthex. Pick one up and reflect with your church council about all the ways in which we serve God and our neighbor. If you have questions, we will gather for a budget listening session on Sunday, November 9^th at 9:45 in the Hearth Room to review the line item budget and answer questions before our annual meeting of the congregation on Sunday, November 16^th at 9:45am where we will also elect new church council members and bless the Arise 2035 Ten Year Vision for our church.

Overwhelmed? Yes! To know this excitement in ministry as one of your pastors is a rare gift in these days of the church. Your generosity and faithfulness provide many opportunities for each of us to find our place “in the mix in 2026” and I cannot wait to see where God leads in the days ahead.

Dear friends, where will you find yourselves “in the mix in 2026?”

I can’t wait to find out! See you in church.

Pastor Chris

In the Mix 2026 Pastor Chris Marien stewardship

Adventures, Risks & Rewards

If you have been in worship on any Sunday in the month of June, there is no doubt you have heard the pastors talk about preparing for Adventure Camp, praying for Adventure Camp, or giving thanks for returning home from Adventure Camp. It is always a week full of surprises. Junior high students who tell us they are not planning to swim – eventually end up in the water. Students who look up at the height of the zipline towers and tell us they are not going to zipline – eventually find themselves flying down a cable at 30 mph. It is always a surprise to see them rise to the challenge, proving to us and themselves that they can do hard things. To do hard things we often must take risks. Those risks can often be accompanied by a list of questions before we commit:

Am I brave enough? What will happen? Can I do this? Who is watching? What will others say?

Those questions might fly through the thoughts of a junior high student before they take the risk. I find it amusing that many of us probably ask those same questions as we consider stepping out of our comfort zone into something new. For the junior high students there is great reward for their courage. Feelings of satisfaction, accomplishment, pride, validation – all contribute to their next big decision. Usually, the next zipline platform where they must leap into thin air, once again, with only the cable to keep them airborne. What we often witness is the willingness of students to make the leap once again. Once you have decided to leap; once you have taken the first step; once you let go from being completely in control and trust that God’s got you- the journey is usually far beyond what any junior high student or any one of us can imagine.

It is a good reminder for each of us. The adventure is worth the risk. In life, in faith – the actual risk is far less scary than the risk we have built up in our minds before we step off the platform. I have been walking alongside our Monday night Amen group as we have studied the book, “Wild at Heart.” The book invites us to consider what it is to be a man of faith in the world today. It might be a little bit dated in its examples, but the book has provided some incredible moments of risk as men around the table have found themselves brave enough to ask deep questions, share honestly, and risk a moment of vulnerability in a world where vulnerability is often looked upon as weakness. I am grateful for their willingness to dig deep on Monday nights. Grateful they have chosen to take the risk.

We often talk about this life of faith for the ways in which we follow Jesus – gather in worship, kneel in prayer, serve in selflessness. Important attributes of a life of faith. Yet, I recognize that our worship, prayers, and service are not often risky. Sure, come to worship at Ascension and Pastor Chris might call you by name at one time or another during worship. Risky, maybe? Yes, worship at Ascension and you might find someone introducing themselves by name and asking for yours? Risky, maybe. Is the risk worth the reward? It absolutely is. And so is every other part of this journey of faith Jesus invites us to live.

At one of our AMEN Monday nights, one man asked how we hear the voice of God. I explained that in all my life, I do not know that I have ever heard God speak to me in words. I believe I have felt God’s presence in countless moments of music, times of prayer, reflective pauses where I was able to close off the distractions of this world. One man described the presence of God in his life as that moment when there was an overwhelming sense of peace, almost a warmth, that surrounded him. So often, in our rush to the next adventure, we are often unable or unwilling to pay attention to such fleeting moments and yet , if we are willing to take the risk of being open to what God might be doing, there can be great reward in the risk of letting go of what we know to be wrapped in what we so often can only imagine, namely – the very presence of God. It is risky to let go, to surrender to the presence of God. But my friends, that is often when the adventure begins. Here is to all the adventures ahead – to the glory of God.

See you in Church,

Pastor Chris

Adventure Camp JOLT Pastor Chris Marien