People of Hope:
The upcoming Mission Gatherings are the way we collectively and explicitly discern God’s mission for us at Esperanza. Everyone who is part of the Esperanza community, whether member or not, is strongly encouraged to participate in at least one Mission Gathering. During the Mission Gatherings, we will ask and answer questions about what we value, how we make decisions, and what God is calling us to be or do. We will listen to God by listening deeply to one another. We gather as a community to discuss these questions instead of simply filling out a form because we expect the Holy Spirit to speak through and be heard through the members of this community.
The dates and times of the Mission Gatherings are below. Even if you do not participate in the group listed here, you are most welcome to attend any of the Mission Gatherings!
Wednesday, 3/1, 10 am, Mary Circle in Fellowship Hall
Thursday, 3/2, 10 am, Thursday Matters in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, 3/5, 10:15 am, Sunday Funday in Community Room
Sunday, 3/5, 10:15 am, Post-Worship Gathering in Sanctuary
Monday, 3/6, 3 pm Arizona time on Zoom
Tuesday, 3/7, 11:45 am-12:15 pm, Preschool Teachers & Parents in Sanctuary
Sunday, 3/12, 10:15 am, Post-Worship Gathering in Sanctuary
For those who like to ponder questions ahead of time to prepare for discussion, here are the questions that will be discussed at the Mission Gatherings.
What do you value most about this community?
When we make decisions about what we do at Esperanza Lutheran Church, what is important for us to remember?
What do you think God is calling us to be or do?
Where have you seen God work most clearly at Esperanza Lutheran Church?
What strengths does our congregation possess that we can share with the community?
What do you see as the most pressing mission work we should be doing in our community?
What type of experiences do you think God is looking for in the future of the Esperanza community?
Prior to our mid-week Lenten worship services, all are welcome to participate in the Discernment Gatherings in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 6:30-6:50 pm. We will do centering prayer and then discuss one or two of the questions from above to reflect on our experience of centering prayer.
At the mid-week Lenten worship services on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, we will sing Holden Evening Prayer, hear Spirit stories from scripture, hear Spirit stories from the rostered leaders at Esperanza and Mountain View Lutheran Church, and hear Spirit stories from one another, all around the theme Holy Spirit on the Move. Please join in!
With anticipation of what God will say,
Pastor Sarah