Hey Church Family-
There is a car commercial that has been playing recently that begins with a dad and his kid. He is on a phone call and the child is playing, when the child interrupts and asks, “Dad, how big is the ocean?” He drops his work call and they go for a drive to the ocean, in an incredibly nice SUV! These stories/commercials always get me. They are the ones that put value into life and perspective into living. They are the stories in our lives that we make a decision to lean in and take on an adventure that is unknown and unknowable, that is part leading and part following, and that is never what you thought it would be.
Seven years ago, when I was invited by Jeff Mattesich and Lake Ave Church to explore the opportunity of serving at LAC, I was honored. There was a moment that occurred, months into the process, where it became clear to my family that this was a place that we could be ourselves, we could trust that we were being heard, and that we could live out or faith in front of and with you all. Lake Ave Church, you have done just that. We have laughed, cried, and been angry at injustice. We have worshipped, listened to the Lord and paused with the Holy Spirit together, and you have been into our living room. We’ve experienced human mistakes and did our best to repair them. These past years have been an adventure and I am so grateful to have had it with you all. Yet, just like all adventures, this isn’t ending the anyone thought it would. But that has to be part of the adventure as well. My family and I are grateful for you and I hope that you will be praying for us. Praying that what is next, is an adventure with a Father who has interrupted our time together so my family and I can go on another adventure.
May the God of Love, and mercy and justice cause you to know peace in the unknown and unknowable, joy in leading and following, and wonder for what you will never imagine.
Blessings
Chuck, Shannon and Rhyen
