These past few Sundays since Rally Day have been nothing short of amazing! Over the summer, we consistently welcomed 70–80 people to worship each week. But in just the last three weeks, we’ve seen 154, 136, and 142 in attendance! What a beautiful sign of life, energy, and commitment in our congregation. It is truly a gift to gather together in worship, walking this road of faith side by side.
One of the most heartwarming sights this past Sunday was seeing so many young people in worship wearing their soccer jerseys. Whether you came before or after your games, your presence was a powerful testimony to the vibrant, welcoming community we share here at ORLC. Your choice to be in worship and Sunday School matters deeply, and I don’t take it for granted. Thank you for showing up, for bringing your energy, and for reminding us all that faith and life go hand in hand.
I also want to thank you for engaging with one of my more “creative” ideas this past Sunday. If you missed it, during communion I invited everyone to take off their shoes as they came forward to receive the Eucharist. Why, you might be asking?
Our Bible story was the calling of Moses through the burning bush. When Moses approached, God told him to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. In that moment, God called Moses to bring a message of liberation to Pharaoh, and though Moses objected, God promised to be with him.
I invited us to make that same connection: that God calls us into the world to bring a message of mercy, justice, and love. Faith and Life do indeed go hand in hand. And just like Moses, we receive the promise that God goes with us. In communion, we are fed, strengthened, and sent. Christ goes with us as we leave this place.
So, we took off our shoes. We approached the table barefoot, as a reminder that this is holy ground, that this is a holy meal, and that in this meal we meet God and God goes with us into the world.
As you go about your week, may you be reminded that you are called. You are sent. And you are never alone. God is with you, and through you, the message of Christ’s love continues to shine.
See you in Church!