This little light of mine!

 “You are the light of the world… No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

- Matt. 5:14-16 -

Are you singing the song in your head yet? It’s a catchy little tune that points to a joyful calling in our life. 

Let your light shine! Use the good you’ve been given to illuminate this world - bringing to light the beauty and color all around you, revealing good paths to navigate safely and with confidence, making space for conversation and caring fellowship as evening falls around us. 

Let your light shine! It’s a calling that is good for you and others, as it brings out the best in you not just for you but for the good of those around you as well.

Let your light shine! But often it can be daunting to step up and be seen.  To risk your candle being put out by the winds of uncertainty.  It’s scary, and it makes us vulnerable, but we don’t have to do it alone.  God has called us into community - to work together, to stand together, to let our lights shine together, that we might support one another in this blessed work.  

The word, “synod” means “journeying together,” joining the gifts of many to support one another as we walk this path of faith and let the good within us shine for all of us.  We are launching several teams within the synod as a way of opening up space for each of us to share the light of our gifts and passions for the sake of the world. 

I am personally very excited about these teams because I see in them great potential to broaden and deepen the leadership of the synod - to engage our communities in ways no one of us could, and to draw out the very best we have to offer for the sake of the world. Teams are forming around urgent needs and profound possibilities. For a list of teams we are considering forming, click here. If there is a team you think we should have that isn’t listed, email me and let me know your thoughts.

We are doing this with a structure and intention that will help to support and focus each team’s work, and nurture the passion and commitment of those who step up. These are exciting times, and we want you to be involved! Contact me if you are interested in stepping up to be a part of, and especially if you are interested in leading, one of these teams.

It can be daunting to step up with the light that is within us, but it helps to remember that this light is not just us, the light within us is the light of Christ.  That is a light that cannot be extinguished, and a fire that is contagious.  It catches on like a little plucky tune, and pretty soon everybody is singing along!

Think about it, pray about it, and let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Grant Applehans
Associate to the Bishop
Director for Evangelical Mission