Dear St. Lukers,
Over 26 years ago my bride-to-be, Carol, and I went through the involved process of selecting items to go on our wedding gift registry. Many items were chosen. However, our formal china topped the list. It was a big deal. Carol meticulously led me through a process of choosing plates, goblets, and silverware. We chose together. I became vested in the final outcome. We had our china pattern!
Months later we were in the same store where we selected our china pattern. Carol wanted to check on it. I wasn’t sure why. Do china patterns leave or wander off? She lifted a plate and exclaimed, “It is still here.” I responded, “That’s not our china pattern.” After a short debate, she revealed that she had gone shopping with her mom some weeks after we shopped together and chose another pattern (for which we weren’t registered). Confusion ensued. Who will she choose? Her mom or me? I mean, what will she choose, the china pattern we were registered for or the “other” one? I really wish I could say I was neutral on this. I was not. I had become invested in my choice with her months earlier. Not going with our agreed upon choice would have done damage to a marriage not yet complete.
I have learned some things since then. My opinions can change. And, a last-minute adjustment to a plan is not detrimental.
This past month we hosted five focus groups around launching a series of new adult spiritual formation opportunities on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. We heard diverse opinions and these new classes are just some of the ideas that came out of these groups:
If any of these classes sound interesting to you as a participant or a facilitator, please click here to let me know you’re interested. By the way, Carol and I went with our original choice for the china pattern 26 years ago. Carol complains every time we use them. And, frankly, I wish we would have gone with something else, too. Sometimes the next idea is the better idea. Please send me yours!
In addition to the planned classes above, we’re excited to offer new adult spiritual formation studies for Lent. Katie and Chris Brown will be leading “One Faithful Promise” at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays starting March 1 in Building B Room 203, and Pastor Bill Barnes will be leading a study on the Passion Play on Wednesdays beginning March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Barnes Learning Center Distance Learning Classroom.
This Sunday, February 23, visit the Grow Ministries team in the circle drive between worship services to learn more about these classes and additional programs at Dive In! We will be in our Hawaiian shirts inviting you to participate in:
– Vacation Bible School
– Summer Camps
– Youth Mission Trips and Programming
– Flag Football
– Adult Spiritual Formation Groups
– And More!
We hope you’ll stop by and “Dive In” to all the new ways to grow as a disciple this spring!
See You Sunday,
Steve Schneeberger, Executive Director of Grow Ministries
P.S. Sunday evening (February 23), we hope you’ll help us celebrate the leadership of long-time St. Luke’s staff member, Lynette Fields, as she transitions to her new role as Executive Director of St. Luke’s partner non-profit Poverty Solutions Group. The celebration starts at 6:00 p.m. in Founder’s Hall. Click here for more details.