Pastoral Message from the September Beacon
09/01/2020
Dear Faithful and Friends of the Assumption,
We will not allow the challenges of this world to hold us down!!!!!!! Covid will not stop us!!!!!
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest…
Last month, July, we had our new LED Sign installed and upgraded our camera and audio system in the church. In August, we had 2 more major accomplishments: the GreekFast’n Go and the release of bid documents for our new fellowship hall, classroom and administration building.
First, the GreekFast’n Go was a tremendous success! Although we could have used more volunteers, those that came and offered their time, talent and treasures accomplished something phenomenal—I am not referring to the great fundraising success that it was (it did greatly exceed expectations), but to the event as a symbol of hope!
For many, the GreekFest is an event that is anticipated all year; it is a sign of summer; a “normal” occurrence. In Louisville, many of these “normal” events have been cancelled due to Covid. When we opened our “doors,” the people came. Our small but mighty parish may have given to the people a sense of normalcy that has been missing. We gave them, and ourselves, hope! This ‘philoxenia’ (literally love of strangers) is a divine attribute. We must continue to offer to our community our faith, hope and love!
Yes, we are small and mighty, but over the past few decades, we have been growing. I know that when our fellowship have is finally built, we will be able to amplify our fellowship, education and outreach ministries. People are hungry for what we have, and often take for granted—that is community.
Throughout our forced social distancing and suspension of fellowship ministries, the building committee, interior design committee, and parish council have continued to forge ahead. Just a few days ago, the final bid documents for our new building were completed and sent out to bid. In early October, we will have solid bids for our community center and will finish the necessary fundraising to break ground. With finished plans, firm costs, and resolute committees, we will have a new building very soon. We need to be a community—a family! All of us will be called upon to...I don’t want to say “make this dream a reality,” that sounds to cliché...so I will say, make the Assumption a true Beacon of His Love, a place of hope, a manifestation of His Kingdom on earth, the dynamic center of Louisville, a place of peace, and a true temple.
It is up to us to take the spirit of “philoxenia” that we offered to the community at the GreekFast’n Go, this divinely inspired hope, and built this Beacon!
In Service of the Risen Lord,
Fr. Jon
"Attract, Serve, Illuminate"