There are so many exciting things to celebrate in May; welcoming new St. Mark members, college and high school graduations, school ending for the summer, and other celebrations. There is so much to be joyful about. On May 10th we welcomed five new members which is always an exciting time for the church. It was a great day full of celebration and vibrant conversations in the café as we welcomed the new members to St. Mark. The room was buzzing.
Many folks
are preparing for graduations from either college or high school. In my family we have three graduations this
year, Aiden graduates from college and Soren graduates from high school, and my
niece also graduates from college. This
is a joyful time but one that often comes with apprehension for what comes
next. It is normal for joy and
apprehension to be felt at the same time.
I am
currently reading a book titled Joyful
Anyway by Kate Bowler. In her book
she shares what joy is. “She says joy
is a privilege. We all
have joy moments. Joy does not mean others suffering is
invalid or that we don’t care about them. Joy is inherently unselfish. Joy is a
gift. Joy makes you more hopeful.” Joy
is a big emotion and one that we all deserve to experience. Even when times are
hard or we face difficult decisions, there can and will be moments of joy.
Joy is a
blessing and one that I try not to take for granted. The joy of my families upcoming graduations
also comes with a little grief. Change
can be hard and joyful at the same time. I am excited for all the graduates and
for what comes next for them. I will
miss seeing them and talking to them. I
am excited to get to know the new members of St. Mark. I love getting to know people.
As we lean
into the joy of the spring season I ask you to pray for the new members and
greet them on Sundays. Please wear a
name tag on Sunday morning so folks can learn your name. I ask you to pray for all the graduates as
they prepare for what is next. This is an
exciting time!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Katrina Steingraeber
