Join us: unveiling our vision for 2026

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Introducing Community’s three signature ministries

Shaping Our Mission for 2026 and Beyond
By Pastor Karis

Last month, Community’s Ministry Team Leaders and Council Members gathered for a one-day visioning workshop led by Pastor Eric Johnson of Thrive Solutions, one of our trusted ministry partners. In preparation for that day, Pastor Johnson conducted a wide-reaching listening process, gathering reflections from a thoughtful sampling of Community members and friends.

This time of discernment marked a powerful milestone in our life together. We are boldly embracing our identity as a renewing mission congregation — one rooted in grace, committed to justice, and called to spiritual growth. Together, we are now beginning to place flexible (not rigid) structure around our ministry efforts, offering greater clarity, direction, and impact.

Emerging Themes from the Congregation

Out of this deep listening came sacred themes, grounded in your own words, hopes, and experiences. Pastor Johnson lifted up some of the voices he heard along the way, including:

“We are a people who came searching for a home where God’s love is made real. We longed for a church that would embrace our stories, honor our questions, and free us from judgment — a community that could hold our lives, in all their beauty and brokenness, and still say, ‘you belong here.’”

“God calls us to glorify God by accepting all people as they are created. That call leads us to stand against racism, to work for equity, to serve our neighbors with dignity, and to embody the wideness of God’s mercy in all that we do.”

At first, six ministry themes were identified. But knowing that our energy is most impactful when focused, our leadership team prayerfully discerned three Signature Ministries to carry us into 2026 and beyond. These ministries reflect who we are, and who we’re becoming, as we seek to embody Christ’s love in authentic, courageous ways.

Community Creation Connections

This ministry focuses on creation care, outdoor worship, and spiritual formation in natural settings. It rises from a deep longing within our congregation to reconnect with God through the beauty of creation, to return to our spiritual roots and cultivate sacred space outdoors.

Through hikes, garden spaces, eco-theology, and immersive worship experiences, Community Creation Connections invites us to deepen our spirituality and care for the earth that sustains us.

Food Pantry Direct Service & Food Security Advocacy

Building on the strength and compassion of Community’s existing Food Pantry, this ministry seeks to expand both our reach and our impact. It combines direct service — feeding our neighbors with dignity and respect — with a growing commitment to food security advocacy.

This Signature Ministry is still unfolding. A passionate team continues to listen, discern, and follow where the Spirit leads, as we seek to serve our community with compassion shaped by lived experience and love grounded in grace.

Dismantling Racism, Building Equity, Empowering Inclusion in Sussex County

This Signature Ministry addresses a vital call: to foster ethnic and cultural equity, inclusion, and justice for the diverse and often marginalized populations who live in and visit Sussex County.

Through intentional partnerships with local organizations and support groups, we are working to build meaningful relationships and coalitions that empower change. This ministry is about creating a future where every person is seen, valued, and treated with dignity — a future shaped by Christ’s radical welcome.

These Signature Ministries are not just projects . They are commitments. They are the ways we, as a congregation, say yes to God’s call in this moment.

These three Signature Ministries will be introduced in more detail to the congregation on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. (between worship services). During this time, Team Communicators and ministry members will be present to hear your feedback and engage in conversation about the direction and focus these ministries are taking, all shaped by the hopes and desires expressed by the congregation.

Let us continue to listen, to serve, and to imagine what’s possible, together.

With hope,
Pastor Karis

Community Lutheran’s fall Empowerment Campaign: a season of growth and vision

Community Lutheran is embarking on an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow in faith, service, and impact. This fall, we’re launching our Empowerment Campaign, a time to celebrate where we’ve been, cast vision for where we’re going, and invite everyone to play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our shared ministry.

At the heart of this campaign is the introduction of our three Signature Ministries, which will help guide our mission through 2026 and beyond. These ministries reflect our deepest values and the unique call God has placed on this congregation.

Below is the timeline for this fall’s Empowerment Campaign:

Empowerment Campaign Timeline

• September 21 – Announce results from the Gap-Closing Appeal
• September 28 – Vision Session (In-Person): Introducing our Signature Ministries (9:30 a.m., between services)
• October 5 – Vision Session (via Zoom): Introducing Signature Ministries (time TBA)
• October 12 – First Appeal Letter mailed
• October 19 – Appeal Kickoff Sunday + First Temple Talk highlighting one of the Signature Ministries
• October 26 – Second Temple Talk highlighting a Signature Ministry and the call to “Sustain Ministry Excellence”
• November 2 – Third Temple Talk + Mailing of second letter and Commitment Card
• November 9 – Appeal Articulation Sunday: Summarizing the vision, need, and invitation to respond
• November 16 – Commitment Sunday: A sacred moment to offer our pledges and prayers
• December 7 – Celebrate! Announce campaign results and give thanks!

Community Lutheran Returns to the Rehoboth Block Party!

Community Lutheran is excited to once again take part in the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party with our very own booth! This beloved annual event is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity for us to show up as a reminder of God’s loving presence in a hurting world.

This year’s Block Party will take place on Sunday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second block of Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Hosted by CAMP Rehoboth, the event is free and open to all, though donations are encouraged to support their important work.

Started in 2015 to celebrate CAMP Rehoboth’s 25th anniversary, the Block Party has grown into a vibrant tradition that brings the entire community together. Attendees can expect live performances, dozens of local vendors, and a festive atmosphere filled with joy, creativity, and connection. You’ll find everything from sea glass art, ceramics, and photography to handmade body care products and information about local non-profits and businesses.

Throughout the day, performances will take place at the CAMP Rehoboth stage, located mid-block. Please note that parking on the second block of Baltimore Avenue will be closed during the event, but parking nearby is free, and the event is accessible via several entrances:

• First St. & Baltimore Ave.
• Second St. & Baltimore Ave.
• Rehoboth Mews or Village by the Sea (from Rehoboth Avenue)

We hope you’ll stop by our booth, say hello, and share in this celebration of diversity, community, and love. Your presence matters. Let’s show Rehoboth that Community Lutheran is here with open arms and an open heart.

YAY Cake & Coffee Hour Celebration

We did it! Join us between services on Sunday, Sept. 28 for a special YAY Cake & Coffee Hour as we celebrate reaching our $50,000 grant challenge goal — a milestone worth cheering.

This joyful fellowship time will also introduce Community’s 2026 vision through our three Signature Ministries. Ministry leaders will share what’s ahead and how you can get involved in the meaningful work to come. Come celebrate, connect, and catch the vision.

What’s Happening at Community