A Weekly Witness: Thoughts on Ministry, Justice, and Life Together from your Presbytery Leader
“We incubate what we celebrate”
I will never forget these words spoken at the 221st General Assembly in Detroit, where I sat as a commissioner in 2014. These words remind me just how important celebration is in our lives of faith. Take a look at all the celebrations that have been a part of our life recently together:
- Last Saturday, we had a Celebration of Service brunch event hosted by Third Presbyterian Church. There, we had over fifty people, honoring by name and accomplishment 24 individuals from 13 different congregations their contributions to the Church of Jesus Christ! We celebrate our church leaders who live out their vocation so richly!
- On Sunday, the presbytery celebrated the ordination service of Rev. Rachel Finken as new Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood! We celebrate a community of support for our pastors!
- On Monday, the Synod of Mid America gathered all the Stated Clerks from the six different presbyteries of our synod to review minutes and express appreciation for our shared ministry together. We celebrate the behind the scenes work of those who keep us decent and in order!
- This Saturday, our presbytery will have a presence at the St. Andrews Ageless Remarkable Saint Louisans Gala, in which Lawson “Cal” Calhoun from Trinity Presbyterian Church will be honored! We celebrate those whose faith leads to an impact well beyond the church!
In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul writes on celebration: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.”
So what are you celebrating today? In your life, in your family, in your work, in your church, in your larger community? What is bringing you life and joy and showing you excellence?
Let’s think about these things!
“We incubate what we celebrate!”
Rev. Ryan J. Landino
Presbytery Leader
Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery
Email: rlandino@glpby.org
Direct line: 314-409-9002
