Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,
It is with great joy and gratitude that I write this letter to you. Mike, Hannah Rose, and I have successfully moved to beautiful Michigan City and are beginning to make our home here. Our first days were made easier by the Deacons, who provided delicious meals to sustain us as we carried and unpacked boxes, moved furniture, and organized rooms.
As I am living into my new role as your pastor, I am reading a book by my colleague, Lawrence W. Farris, entitled, “Ten Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation.” According to Larry, my first commandment is to be a “Cultural Historian.” This commandment challenges me to speak less, and to listen more. As a cultural historian, I will read, listen, observe, and learn. So, I am looking forward to sitting with many of you in small groups, circles, Bible studies, or perhaps in my office, over a cup of coffee or tea, to hear your personal faith story and the faith journey of our congregation.
The act of holy listening is crucial to our faith. When God created the world, God “spoke” the sun and the moon, the trees and the animals, and finally humankind into being; our call is to continue to listen to the creative and recreating words God is saying to us. According to the book of John, Jesus the Christ is the Word; through holy listening in prayer, worship, and conversation, our very salvation is offered.
May we all participate in the spiritual practice of holy listening this month, and in the months to come, so that we can hear God’s voice, leading us into our call as disciples of Christ.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Ericka
