Spanish 
Intro Letter from the 2021 Summer Vision Newsletter
Dear brothers and sisters,
Earlier this year, we introduced the idea of Coming home…new!
It sounds catchy, but what does this actually mean? Over the past months, we have all lived through a very interesting time, inclusive of loneliness, sorrows, and difficulties. Yet, we also experienced the joys of reuniting with loved ones and our congregation after a long period, perhaps learned some different understandings about what matters most, and even made some new discoveries about ourselves and our relationship with Jesus.
It is common that after powerful experiences in life, such as a war, a sickness or trauma, or even a pandemic, one can become changed and begin to think and live differently, sometimes either negatively or positively. We choose a more optimistic and confident path, knowing the Holy Spirit will generate in us a newness of life (Romans 6:4).
Focusing on this new avenue of life, I created a list of “less/ more” traits that I will work on, guided by the Spirit:
Less intense;
more peaceful and settled
Less agitated over foolish matters;
more understanding and contented
Less judgmental;
more forgiving
Less burdened;
more reliant on God’s strength
Less focused and talking about myself;
more interested and listening to others
Less biased in my views;
more inclusive and open
Less impulsive reactions;
more measured
Perhaps, you may consider creating a list of your own to discover what new possibilities and changes can develop in your life.
You can see on my list of the “less items” that some of these may be based on differences; of opinions, of personalities, of understandings, etc. Even so, there are also other differences that may separate us; gender, race, identity, sexual orientation, social class, ethnicity, and on and on.
Newness of life must also mean that we strive to not only overcome these differences, but to acknowledge, embrace, respect, and integrate them in the advancement of the body of Christ.
Through the teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, we recognize all the various elements of the body were designed by God for a “more excellent way.” Thus, the more I work on myself and edify others, the
...more fit for the kingdom,
more used would I be,
more blessed and holy,
more Savior like Thee.
("More Holiness Give Me")
With loving greetings,
LRK