Dear Siblings in Christ,

Signs of hope abound during Advent. The bright star on the horizon guiding us toward God’s favored  future for humankind. The shepherds on the path to witness the Son of God born to humans - right there in the neighborhood! The angelic host flooding the night sky with the proclamation of God’s promise fulfilled – now, and not yet. The season of Advent reminds us that God is always doing a new thing!

 “Hope” is perhaps the best word to describe the results of the recently completed Listening Project as well. No one is ready to give up. Our doors will not be closing. We can see the star on the horizon pointing us to God’s preferred future for First Lutheran Church of Crystal and our impact on behalf of the surrounding community.  I am pleased to share with you the summary of the Listening Project:

Our intent in completing this Listening Project was to compare responses to our pre-covid Listening results and see what people are thinking post-Covid in hope of aligning our goals and priorities with congregational values moving forward. The responses were consistent between 2018 and 2022 for the most part, although there is increased awareness in the need to engage with the community.

The people of First see themselves as a welcoming and friendly congregation that to many feels like family. They appreciate the pastor and staff and are proud of the ministry and mission that happens here.

 The congregation is active in service and outreach locally as well as globally through mission partners such as Sharing and Caring Hands, Lutheran World Relief, NEAR Food Shelf, Every Meal, Meals on Wheels, Lutheran Social Service, Global Health Ministries, and Mubi #1, our companion congregation of the Lutheran Church of Christ Nigeria (LCCN) as well as others. Neighborhood relationships and working with partners are viewed as critical to the congregation’s vitality.

 When the congregation struggles with issues people are willing to talk and work towards resolution. They acknowledge the importance of communication, but don’t always use the most effective channels. Often, conversations are held between several like-minded people before being brought to the change-makers, who then instigate discussion among the broader congregation.

 People are involved in the daily life of the congregation and generally willing to help as they’re able. Some feel they’re doing all they can as it is. A continuing shortage of volunteers for worship support roles exists (e.g. ushers, tech support…). “Jesus said, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

 Concern exists for the congregation’s potential to (literally) die out without the addition of new families and more children. Hope is found in the on-going ministry commitments and outreach to the community. There is a willingness to try new ideas for enhancing community engagement and a growing awareness that the church is more than an institution but rather a movement of God in the neighborhood.

 ~Respectfully submitted by Deacon Kirsten Kessel, Minister of Word & Service and Intern Pastor Raul Garcia III