EASTER’S GUIDING VISION
God is calling Easter Lutheran Church to be a powerful presence of God’s grace in the world. We will actively strive to blur the lines between church and community, so that it will be widely known that Easter exists to bless the world with God’s love. (Matthew 5: 13-14)
God is calling Easter to a deep life of prayer and worship. All that we do will be covered in prayer. We will continue to provide both traditional and new forms of worship. All worshipers will be invited to connect into spiritually supportive relationships where they can grow in faith and dive deep into Scripture. (Acts 2:42)
God is calling Easter to be a Holy Place for the broken. We will be known for our outreach locally and globally. God’s love will be evident in healing and transforming lives through the hearts of Easter people. Walking into any of Easter’s campuses, God’s presence will be seen in the faces of the people: Homeless people, hungry people, children needing academic support, people needing counseling and spiritual support. Whatever a person’s life circumstance, they will know that Easter provides a safe place and a warm embrace. It will be clear to all that we are called by God to share the Gospel through our love and service to one another. (John 13) (Matthew 5:1-12)
God is calling Easter to be a leader in collaboration. We will partner with community organizations and churches who share a vision of transformation and compassion. By working together, we will spread the Gospel farther and wider. Through collaboration and partnership, our congregation will embrace the diversity of our community. (Philippians 2:1-11)
God is calling Easter to be a beacon of hope to a new generation. Each week, youth of all ages will gather for worship and serve in the community. Parents will actively support the faith development of their children at home. As our children grow, Easter will provide them with an environment where they can openly discuss the big questions of life and faith. Our youth will be so inspired that they will share their faith and invite friends into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 4:12) (Matthew 19:14)
God is calling Easter to passionately follow the great commission – “To make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28) The people of Easter will be missionaries in their workplaces, schools and homes through prayer, service, love, leadership, and giving. We will share a Gospel message that reaches beyond cultural boundaries, and it will catch fire. This fire will spread to surrounding communities and people will come and see what God is doing through Easter. In sharing God’s love and grace, Easter people will find a new sense of purpose and a deeper faith in God. (John 1:39)
God is calling Easter to be filled with such compassion that people are drawn from impossible situations into a community of hope where lives are changed and love is real.
