Dear Curious Congregants:

 Your Session and Board of Deacons met for a few hours of conversation and lunch this past Saturday, and I want to highlight a few takeaways from that gathering. First, you have selected from our congregation extremely smart and engaged leaders who are deeply committed to FPCLG’s future. At no point did the interaction lag as we discussed current programs and future opportunities.

 Second, our leadership desires for us a deeper commitment to our shared faith in Christ. Some of the participants were in leadership when our mission statement was crafted and adopted: Inviting people into a life of meaning and purpose in Christ. They recalled the intentionality behind the word “inviting”, which goes far beyond merely welcoming. Our current leadership affirmed their commitment to “reaching out” as stated in our tagline: Reaching Up. Reaching Out. Reaching You.

 Third, our gathered leaders grappled with two current and cultural realities:  

1. The busy reality of daily life limits the time for participation by our members. This means what time we do share must be respectful and cherished, thick with meaning and purpose.

2.  Growing cultural secularism requires deeper conversations regarding the life-changing value of Christian faith. At no other time in our congregation’s history have the people around us been so detached from knowing the transformative power of engagement with a Christian faith community. It is no longer viable to simply invite all the Christians in La Grange to find our Presbyterian programs and pews. We are now in the position where our invitation must include explanations and reasons for our hope in Christ. We have the amazing privilege to share the first Christian encounter for formerly irreligious people.

Fourth, our time was enjoyable but brief. You should know that our conversations and creativity will continue into the coming year. It was a great start. We thank you for your prayers and invite you to share in our becoming Christ’s future congregation.

Pleased to play a part in it, I remain,

With Love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor