This past year has definitely been one of exploration as we launched the St. Luke's Midtown Campus in December of 2022. In the last six months, we have opened our doors for worship and relationships. We've met neighbors and discovered the good work that God has been doing in our neighborhood long before we showed up. We've watched volunteers discover and use their gifts for ministry to create a vibrant worshiping community. We've received new members, baptized babies, and even had our first wedding!
LegacyMidtown.pngOne of the most meaningful events we've experienced was the celebration of 13 legacy members. This group had been faithful members of Broad Ripple UMC and have become an important part of St. Luke's Midtown. They have been open to exploring what God is doing in the new community that is forming and have been instrumental to carrying the spirit of love and hospitality forward into this new campus of St. Luke's.
Most weeks, I meet someone who is coming back to church for the first time in a long time. Each of these people are on their own journey of exploring as they seek to connect with God in a faith community again. Every time I get to have one of these conversations, I am reminded of the holy risk that comes with exploring. When we say yes to something new- whether it's a new church community, a new activity, or a new spiritual practice- we also say yes to trusting God. We trust that we will run into the unknown and there may be some hard and beautiful things that come with that. Most of all, we know that when we explore, we don't go alone. We trust that God will show up and meet us in the new thing.
Wherever you are in your faith right now, I want to encourage you to be open to exploring something new. It could be a friendship, an idea, a healthy habit, or even a place you've never been. As you explore whatever that new thing is, know that God is with you on the journey.