Dear ones,

This last weekend, I stood on the shoulders of Mary Magdalene in the proclamation of our risen Lord. Jesus is not dead, Jesus is alive! This tradition has been passed on from generation to generation and transcends cultures and centuries. It’s more than a tradition, it’s an experienced reality that has altered my life and I pray yours as well. 

I’ll never forget the first time I said yes to Jesus. It began with gentle nods of the soul and eventually culminated to a moment on my knees next to my bed thanking Jesus for the cross. Since that day, I have never been the same. That’s what happens when we encounter Jesus – he changes lives.

Sometimes Jesus encounters are monumental and life altering, and sometimes Jesus encounters are in the small spaces that require eyes to see – eyes to notice. Sometimes it’s the still small voices, sometimes it’s the fresh wind and fire, and sometimes it’s undeniable promptings or miracles.

Sometimes Jesus encounters are monumental and life altering, and sometimes Jesus encounters are in the small spaces that require eyes to see – eyes to notice. Sometimes it’s the still small voices, sometimes it’s the fresh wind and fire, and sometimes it’s undeniable promptings or miracles.

This weekend, I encountered Jesus again and again. I encountered Jesus in His written word. I encountered Jesus when I heard the booming chorus of worshipers sing, “Christ the Lord is risen today!” in the Sanctuary. I encountered Jesus when I stood in the tech deck of the Worship Center and saw a 3-year-old little girl raise her hand in worship. I encountered Jesus through the palpable joy that filled the building. I encountered Jesus through the hands and feet of his people who served in hospitality, greeting, and worship leading. I encountered Jesus each time I shared communion with you in worship.

I saw Jesus in you, Good Shepherd Church.

It’s hard to even describe the energy and joy that filled this building last weekend – if you were here, you know exactly what I mean. The weightiness of the moment nearly knocked me to my knees several times. What a privilege, what a thrill, what a joy – we get to do this.

God is on the move here, and your responsiveness to the Spirit’s outpouring is palpable. I believe that we will all continue to see encounters if we lean in, pray, and expectantly look for Jesus encounters. God is here, may we all have eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to receive, and minds to understand.

This coming Sunday, we launch a 6 week preaching series called Encounter Jesus. Together, we will reflect on the life altering encounters that occurred whenever someone encountered the risen Lord. This coming Sunday, we will unpack the Road to Emmaus. I will be preaching live in the 9am Traditional Service and the 10:29 Contemporary Service. For the 9am Contemporary and 10:30am Traditional services I will be on video, and I will look forward to joining you in worship at the close of those services.

This week marks 1 month for me at Good Shepherd. What a ride it has been! I continue to learn so much about you – your story, your hopes, your dreams. I believe that God is weaving so many beautiful things together. As God weaves things together, I continue to be in prayer about how we will continue to live out our mission, “Inviting everyone to walk together in the calling of Christ for a life of eternal impact.” 

As you probably know, the staff worked with church consultants, Auxano, for the rolling out of the new mission statement and mission outcomes. The work was put on hold last fall until a new Senior Pastor arrived. In the coming months, I will be working to get up to speed and understand the work that was done with Auxano. Nothing was wasted, and I believe that together we will be able to build upon the strong collaboration, prayer, and discernment that was already done. In addition, we will be building upon the momentum and excitement that has been building in this place.

There are several ways you can engage in the mission and vision now:

1. Summer Worship and Prayer Nights: Beginning in May, we will start holding monthly worship and prayer nights. This will be one step in us together leaning into the future God has for us. We will gather in the Worship Center for acoustic worship and corporate prayer. Stay tuned for more information, but I invite you to mark your calendars for the following dates:
   • Sunday, May 21 from 5:30 – 7 PM
   • Sunday, June 25 from 5:30 – 7 PM
2. Annual Meeting: This year’s Annual Meeting will be an opportunity for me to share my heart and vision for the future. This will take place on Sunday, May 7 at 12 PM. I hope you’ll join me!
3. Prayer: Two weeks ago, I called the congregation to pray daily. Here is the prayer I shared… let us be people of prayer!
4. Generosity: Mission and vision is a committed participation of God’s people for God’s purposes in this world. Committed participation means generous stewardship of all the resources God has given us. I am so excited for the future, and I believe that missional momentum happens when God’s people rise to the occasion. I pray that you will consider ways God is stretching you to steward your resources for God’s mission.

Dear ones, I thank God for you and your enthusiasm for the future. God is weaving together something so beautiful, let’s keep leaning in.

From my heart,

Pastor Tara Beth Leach