Faith. Faith. And More Faith.

Happy Monday, folks!

Another week is in the books! And we are now officially starting the last full week of July! Where is the time going?!

That means that the dogs days of Summer in August are right around the corner!

Anyone else have an air conditioner system that has gotten no break since the 1st of this month?!

Can’t wait to get the bill for that one in the mail. Anyone want to place The Price is Right to guess on how much that one is going to be?!

Mmmbyeee.

Anyhoo, it’s time to get to this week’s post!

So, grab your favorite beverage and get cozy!

Dictionary.com defines the word ‘faith’ as the below:

Noun
1. Confidence or trust in a person or thing.
2. Belief that is not based on proof.
3. Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion.
4. Belief in anything.
5. A system of religious belief.
6. The obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.
7.The observance of this obligation; fidelity to one’s promise, oath, etc.
8. Christian theology. The trust in God and His promises as made through Christ and the scriptures by which humans are justified and saved.

So many definitions.

So many different ways to describe faith.

So many ways to have and experience faith.

I know faith for me personally has been something tested quite heavily, especially throughout this pandemic.

Anyone else?

For as long as I can remember, the church was a place that has always been important to me. I grew up with my family taking my brother and I to Sunday morning services and participating in Sunday school classes as well as youth group activities.

It was a big part of my childhood and continues to be a big part of my adulthood.

In fact, it is an integral part of my life that I would be lost without.

And while I know that religion might not be everyone’s thing and that there are entities out there that give it bad publicity, I intend to share a special moment of faith that I got to witness last evening.

I started attending St. Paul Lutheran Church in Penryn back in 1994. It is crazy to think that I’ve been there for 26 years and filled the position of Music Director for more than a decade.

I’ve witnessed the church go through it’s roller coaster ride of emotions, membership, and leadership since attending.

However, in a time when everything around us seems to be uncertain, faltering, and testing our faith, there is one thing that I’m 100% sure about.

And that is the fact that Angela Hammer was called to us at St. Paul Penryn for a very specific reason.

I first got to meet Angela (or should I say Angie) back in 2017 and as the phrase goes–as cliche as it might sound–the rest is history. I connected with her instantly and could see the passion and faith that was in her soul given to her by the Spirit.

I’ve had many emotional moments during my time since 1994–some of which involved crying for the fact that I thought we might have to close our doors. The church is like a second home to me and I can’t imagine what I would do without it’s support, love, and connection.

Angie has gotten us to look inside ourselves and deepend our faith as we continue our journey as a faith community to show that small church can in fact make BIG differences.

So, watch out because St. Paul Penryn isn’t going anywhere and if you were one of the doubters who thought we wouldn’t be standing here today, shame on you.

In a time when everything around us seems to be uncertain, faltering, and testing our faith, there is one thing that I’m 100% sure about.

And that is the fact that Angela Hammer is to be here at St. Paul Penryn as we continue to make a difference and stand tall amongst a world full of darkness.

We are the light and we are ready to let it shine.

I had the amazing opportunity last evening to be a witness to Angela’s official ordination service while also presiding as the lead musician.

It was hot, emotional, and full of faith.

As I watched her walk in with all the official church Synod leaders after I finished playing through Rainbow Connection, I could see the tears in her eyes streaming from her face behind the mask she was wearing.

We locked eyes and I also began to cry. It was another defining moment for me. Another defining moment in my heart telling me Angela is here to guide and lead us for a reason. It has been more than a decade (almost two decades if not more) since we’ve called an official Pastor at St. Paul Penryn!

And I for one couldn’t more excited for the future and possibilities that await.

I might not know what the future holds and while my faith may continue to be tested on the daily as we live out this pandemic, I can tell you that I have 100% faith in Pastor Angela Hammer for guiding the congregation of Penryn to exciting new possibilities of ministry for the surrounding community.

All are welcome. Come as you are.

I hope to see you in some way, shape, or form with our family faith community in the very near future as Pastor Angela Hammer leads us with her knowledge, passion, and faith!

I encourage you to the check out our Facebook page and our website to learn more!

https://www.stpaulpenryn.org/

Sprinkle sunshine always.

JP!