Do not be anxious
Dear LTCC Family,
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Philippians 4:6-7 where Paul says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV). Many of you have told me directly that you are petitioning God through prayer as we all reflect on the last two weeks and the weeks to come; praying for clarity, unity, and for the health of LTCC. I am grateful to be a member of a church family that covers each other in prayer.
On Tuesday December 6th, the Elders, Council, and Succession Committee are coming together for prayer, discussion, and discernment over next steps in the succession process. Your letters and conversations have provided insight and feedback that will inform the discussion. We appreciate all of you that took the time to talk with us and write to us. As we approach this meeting, can I ask you to continue to pray for us? Pray God will remove any anxiousness created by this brief season of waiting that is also mixed with a sense of urgency. Please pray the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus as we work together and seek our Lord's guidance for next steps. Pray for clarity of thought and words that speak truth in love as we navigate this complex situation we are in. Finally, and most importantly, pray that through all of this we as a church family will remember to take our eyes off ourselves and look expectantly to the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaking of the season of advent, please note we will hold a Christmas Eve service the evening of the 24th and will not hold a service on Christmas Day. Stay tuned for next week's Weekly Update where, Lord willing, we will have more info coming out of our joint meeting on December 6th.
Blessings,
Perry Maxfield
Council Chair | Succession Committee Chair