A Word from Pastor Nathan

Dear Friends:

The Rev. Lisa Reshad and I just returned from Columbus for a meeting with the Regional Commission on Ministry. Just in case you didn’t catch the addition of a new title in front of Lisa’s name, the committee granted her commissioned status as a minister within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)! She will continue to live out her calling through her ministry as a chaplain with the Hospice of the Western Reserve. Today is a very good day for the Church, Washington Avenue, and for Lisa. Will you join me with a shout? “Thanks be to God!”

Along I-71, a particular verse from Paul came to mind: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). What a verse! When I was in high school, my church had a “Disciple Now” retreat weekend for youth, and this verse was our theme. A few years later, when I had my bible rebound, I chose this verse to be embossed on the front cover.

When Lisa and I discussed the upcoming interview, the verse came to mind in a new way: “I am confident, Lisa, that the one who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it by the day of Jesus Christ.” Now back in my office at the church, I had to go back and look at the verse in Greek. You guessed it. The you is plural. “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among y’all will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”

During the meeting with the Regional Commission on Ministry, many voiced a concern about the future of the local church, the Christian Church in Ohio, and our denomination. Many fret about the future of faith itself. Do these fears resonate with you as they do me? If so, hear these words once more: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you, Washington Avenue, will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”

Oh beloveds, God is at work among us. The Holy One is completing us every single day, and that deserves one more shout: “Thanks be to God!”

Much love,