Duty and Delight

Today, I’m writing a bit about running and a bit about an exciting new ministry initiative at Immanuel.  Both have to do with the blending of two ideas: duty and delight.

While on a 4-mile run today, I began by running because it was my duty to do so.  It was Thursday.  The program said run 4 miles.  So, even though I was tired from a long week of work and from several lost hours of sleep due to thunderstorms, I got up and ran.

But as I ran, it felt really good.  My body felt good.  My heart felt good.  The weather was still plenty humid, but not as bad as recent days.  And I felt at moments the delight of running.

Today, we launch a new ministry called “Immanuel House Church.”  We hope you’ll visit our webpage (www.wadenaimmanuel.org/housechurch) to learn more about it.  At first, it might seem like one more thing for your duty list.  It might seem like one more task.  And that’s certainly part of it.  It is our duty to make sacrifices right now, avoiding large crowds for the foreseeable future.  Immanuel House Church is one of the ways we’ll do that.

But I also see huge potential for this ministry to become a delight.  Think about gathering once a month with trusted neighbors and friends in groups small enough that people feel safe doing so?  Think about sharing the core truths of our faith together, sharing communion together, sharing life together.  How delightful this ministry could be, too.

Please take the time to check out the details.  We’re very excited about this new and emerging ministry.  And talk to Pastor Megan, Jil, or me with any questions.

For other news, visit: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements


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