God’s promises are at the core of Scripture, but often we live in liminal (in-between) space – as we see what is, while we wonder about what might be possible. God calls us to live in trust even when the world operates under scarcity, competition, and a seemingly endless grind toward perfection. It can all feel so overwhelming. And yet, God’s promise is that there is always, always enough.

Our faith should have something to say about how we engage in and with the world –  the way we share the love of God in Christ with others. Jesus commands us to love God and to love our neighbors and even to love those we perceive as our enemies. Neighborliness in Christ is lived out in love with compassion and mercy towards others. Jesus has also called us to do God’s work in the world.

Recently, we chose the theme "Grow in Grace" as we celebrated together our 25th anniversary of the charter of our congregation. This verse has been — and still IS — significant to the life and mission and ministry of this community in Christ. And yet, I wonder what it means for each of us to “grow in grace.”

Today, as we celebrate 25 years since the signing of the charter that recognized Grace Lutheran Church as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, it is so good and fitting to remember and reflect on the story of Grace. How God called forth a new thing here in Adel through beloved people who wondered and imagined and listened. AND how God continues to sow seeds here, bringing new growth.

Then they said to Jesus, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom God has sent.” ~ John 6:28-29

Spoiler alert: We don't need to do anything to earn God's love or grace or salvation. Even more, there is nothing we can do to work our way to God. Because Christ has already done it all for us.