Packing for the Trip

 


Luke 10:1-4a  "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.  He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.  Do not take a purse or bag or sandals"

    Last year in celebration of my 50th birthday, my sister and brother-in-law offered to take me sailing in the Caribbean.  Having never sailed, or visited much of the Caribbean, it was a dream come true!  The ongoing Covid epidemic postponed our plans, and they've changed dramatically.  On Monday my boys and I will travel to England (via Iceland) where we will meet up with my sister's family.  From there our journey will continue to Croatia where we will begin a sailing adventure on the Bavaria Cruiser 39 "Vana."  

From there we will explore the Adriatic Sea and some of the many islands that populate the southern coast of Croatia.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend extended time with my children aa we experience a new place, learn new skills, and build memories for a lifetime. 

As  I pack for the adventure, I am mindful that my packing list is much more detailed than that of the 72 disciples sent out to do the work of the Gospel.  Jesus told them to bring no purse, or sandals.  My sister has insisted that Crocs are a must on the boat, so there you go.  Vacation can often be more complicated than the mission of the Church!  

The seventy-two are representative of the mission of the whole church, and as I begin my trip on Monday, I'm thankful for a mission centered congregation like New Song Church.  This summer we have welcomed over 150 children onto our campus to learn of the love of Jesus.  This summer we have raised almost $9,000 in our annual Peanut Butter Wars fundraiser for Lutheran Social Services.  This summer Bible studies have continued throughout the heat of the summer:  people gathered around tables, talking about Jesus, reading the Word.  This weekend we will break bread together.  Saturday night, we gather to give a farewell to Dee and Will as they begin a new adventure in their lives in Flordia.  Sunday during and after worship we will celebrate the Great Banquet, dining together as one body in Christ.  We have so much to be thankful for, and as my travels approach, I'm grateful to have been called to be your lead pastor.  

Follow my adventures at paulscroatiatrip.blogspot.com and check out instagram photos at pauleblock.  

God is good!  All the time!

Pastor Paul



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