I cannot believe how fast this school year has gone! I cannot believe that my family and I only have two months left here at Our Redeemer. You have all been so gracious and welcoming to us, thank you!
Have you ever noticed how the church year tends to move together with God’s creation? I ask because I did not until I started seminary. Growing up in the church, the church year simply happened. Green colors on the pulpit this week, red the next, and purple the week after, I never really paid that much attention. But the more you look at it, the more it all fits together. And now in this season of Pentecost, we find ourselves at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Think about how many shades of green you seen as you drive around. The grass, the bushes, the trees, and the new crops planted in rows. And the shade of green that will hang over the pulpit here at church. Green to remind us of new life and growth in Christ. New life found in the waters of your baptism.
In this season of Pentecost, this season of green, we look to the Holy Spirit who holds our faith together. The one who gives us the gift of faith, the one who keeps us in the faith and the one who surrounds us with His church. You are surrounded by the church. The people of God who have been placed in your life to build you up and encourage you. The people who God uses to strengthen you in the faith. The people who God has given you to serve and the people God has given you to serve alongside. You are the church and you get to be the blessing of God to the people around you.
My family and I see it firsthand. We have been so blessed to be here. We have been so blessed to be able to watch you work and serve together. Thank you for inviting us in. May the Holy Spirit continue to bless you and work through you.
Grace and Peace,
Vicar Andrew Vought