“Holding Fast, Reaching Out”-What Does that Mean for the Jerusalem Expansion Plan?

“Holding Fast, Reaching Out”-What Does that Mean for the Jerusalem Expansion Plan?

²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, 

for he who promised is faithful.

 ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward 

love and good deeds, 

²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, 

but encouraging one another—

and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

This section of text from the Bible was chosen as the anchor for the theme of the Jerusalem Stewardship Campaign.What a great opportunity and privilege for us as a congregation to come together as a family in Christ, encouraged and directed by God’s Word, to work together to expand the ministry of Jerusalem Lutheran Church and School! The passages remind us that we hold fast to the Word of God, continue to build one another up, and reach out to others with the Gospel. As we reflect on the passages above, it is encouraging to see how the theme of “Holding Fast, Reaching Out” directly applies to the proposed Expansion Plan.

1. Holding Fast, Reaching Out with 4 additional classrooms- The truth and purity of the Word of God is taught daily at Jerusalem Lutheran School. Students learn Bible History and are instructed from Luther’s Catechism. Chapel services are attended by all students in the school on a weekly basis. The teachers at Jerusalem hold fast to God’s Word as they begin every morning with daily devotions as a staff and then go on to teach the Word of God to their students. With additional classrooms, God’s Word will be preached to even more students. Our congregation will be reaching out to many more students and their families with the Gospel message of Christ!

2. Holding Fast, Reaching Out with an accessible entrance and entryway- Worshipping together as a congregation is a blessing and privilege. It is also encouraged in God’s Word as shown in Hebrews 10:25 where we are told that we should “not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching”. We hold fast to the value of “meeting together” (v.25) and encouraging each other with the Word of God. An accessible entrance and entryway will enable us to reach out to current members and people in the community. It will communicate that all are welcome, and we value their presence as we meet together around the Word of God.

3. Holding Fast, Reaching Out with an elevator-Jerusalem Congregation is blessed with a Fellowship Hall that serves so many purposes. It is a congregational meeting space; a dining area for confirmation celebration meals, Thanksgiving Pie fellowship, Easter brunch, Fellowship dinners, and the annual Advent Prayer Breakfast. It also provides a space for children (and families) to learn about Jesus at Christmas for Kids and Vacation Bible School. Jerusalem members hold fast to the Word of God and know that it is our privilege  to reach out and share that Word with others through these events. It is also our responsibility to provide an accessible way for members and visitors to get to the Fellowship Hall safely. The elevator will provide that solution.

As we move forward with the Jerusalem Stewardship Campaign, we continue to Hold Fast to God’s amazing word and work to Reach Out to others in the community so that many more will know Jesus as their loving Savior.