I read a book, not so long ago, about a group of guys – the unlikeliest group one could imagine – who worked together on a project so big that it literally changed the world. They were pioneers in every sense of the word. One was boisterous and impulsive – just exuded leadership skills. One was a quiet outdoorsman – probably would rather have been out on his boat. One was apprehensive about the whole project — but gave it his best despite his skepticism. One was a businessman right from the start – most comfortable with numbers, keeping the books, collecting the taxes. There were eight more, but you get the picture. Any consultant on this project would have waved flags of warning. This group was too diverse; they were headed nowhere.
But, these were the men selected to be the “Chosen Twelve”, the disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. They would learn from Him and begin the process of spreading the Good News around the world. Peter, the leader; Andrew, the fisherman; Bartholomew, the skeptic; Matthew, the tax collector – this was a group that would go down in history. Their differences were pronounced, but their common cause to serve Jesus of Nazareth outweighed everything else.

We at Joy Lutheran are also very dissimilar. We hail from various parts of the country. We’ve worked in different fields. The journeys of faith we’ve walked have been diverse – some Lutheran, some Roman Catholic, others in a variety of Protestant denominations. Even at this point in our lives, our values and ideas still differ; our leanings on the conservative/liberal spectrum are widespread.

But we are here. We are all here. Together, we have a common cause to serve Joy Lutheran Church and our neighbors here in Ocala. We are called to spread the Gospel and reach out to those in need. And, at this particular time, we are called to join as one voice in calling a Pastor who will lead us in our work in the years ahead. Our Lord has called us to this task. It’s time to select our new leader, together!

Read 1 John 3:7-12, and remember that God loved His first “Chosen Twelve.” He loves the folks that formed this congregation here in Ocala. He loves the Pastors who faithfully served Joy, and God loves you, here and now, unconditionally!

Judy

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A7-12&version=NRSV