“The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.” (Prov. 16.9)
Ready…set…now what? It’s been a stop and start kind of year. We thought 2021 would be different, and I guess it is. Staying resilient, being adaptable, and trusting God is what allows us to keep going. I’m grateful that we can still gather, and that our members have stayed safe and healthy. We continue to 
pray for our community, trusting that God is directing our steps.
We started to see our worship attendance grow in June, and then as COVID cases rose in July we have seen fewer in person but our online views continue to grow. I have been participating in a weekly conference call about “Hybrid Church” and thinking about how to increase interaction with those who join us online. I am grateful when the technology cooperates and we can worship together no matter the distance between us.
As the school year is just beginning, many of us are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to how things will go. I are currently planning confirmation class to begin September 8th in person. We will move to an online (zoom) format if needed. Living Hope has 3 students beginning this 2-year program: Isaac, Gideon, and Amelia. Please keep them and their families in your prayers! My hope is to begin Sunday School for the younger kids Sunday, September 19th after our 9am worship. Again, final decisions will be determined as we see declining COVID cases and as families are comfortable joining us in person.
This year’s God’s Work Our Hands Sunday is September 12th. We will once again partner with the City of Las Vegas to be outdoors (in the open air) to paint curbs and fire hydrants in our area. We will also put out the request for donations of hygiene items to be packaged for folks in need and our community partners. The Beverly Green neighborhood association will join us as well! Plans for lunch are in the works.
I was glad to officiate the marriage of Han Stover and Eric Le on Sunday, August 15th. I have one (adult) person currently asking about baptism, and hope to meet her soon. We will hold a new member class in the coming weeks, and hope to have at least 4 new members join our church!
Our family had a wonderful and relaxing vacation in August. I’m grateful to Lourdes Olson for preaching on August 1, and to Pastor Matt who led the memorial service for Elizabeth Lee. Our staff has continued to roll with all the changes and make Living Hope a great place to worship and serve. We have so much more to give as we grow in faith and serve our neighbors here in the heart of the city. Let’s keep on trusting in the Lord to direct us, and lifting one another up along the way. This is how we persevere.
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
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