Let’s talk growth: addressing anti-growth behaviors

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Pastor’s corner: Anti-growth behavior…and what to do about it

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Over the past several months, I’ve noticed a quiet but consistent pattern of behaviors that, whether intentional or not, undermine the very growth we’ve been experiencing as a congregation in recent years. As we enter another exciting new season together, part of my role will focus specifically on outreach and growth. That makes it even more important that I speak with honesty and love about what I’m seeing.

Here’s what I’ve observed:

I’ve seen the same faithful few taking on multiple roles, again and again, often with the mindset of, “I’ll just do it.” And while I am incredibly grateful for willing hearts and servant spirits, I need to speak truthfully: this is a key behavior of a declining church.

When a handful of people carry most of the responsibility, it unintentionally shuts others out, especially newcomers, before they ever get a chance to find where they belong. And while invitations to serve are important, they are not enough. People need to be known first. They need relationships. They need to trust the people they are worshiping, serving, and growing alongside.

This is especially true for the next generation of Jesus followers. They aren’t looking for a task list; they’re looking for connection. And many don’t want their first interaction with church people to be: “Do you want to volunteer?” What they do want is a sense of belonging. They want to feel seen and valued, not recruited initially.

Without that relational foundation, we risk becoming just another well-intentioned church asking people to assimilate to our way of doing things, instead of building something new together—with new voices, new perspectives, and new ways of being the church.

Let me share a recent moment that really struck me.

On a recent Sunday, we had multiple visitors in worship. As is our tradition, we usually gift them with a welcome jar and a visitor card as a sign of hospitality and connection. But I noticed none of them had received either. The items were prepared, they just weren’t being shared.

(Deep gratitude to Mari Saterlee, who, after we mentioned this during worship, stepped in to offer the welcome gifts.)

Before the service, I entered the narthex and kindly asked a few regular attendees to help make name tags and greet our guests. But instead, folks stayed seated, chatting with familiar friends. I get it, not everyone is an extrovert. But in that moment, my heart broke a little. Not out of disappointment in any one person, but because this is how decline starts, with small choices that pull us inward instead of outward.

And this matters, because for the past two years, spontaneous, warm, authentic hospitality has been part of Community’s DNA and part of why we’ve grown. But now, we’re quietly stepping away from it. That’s a hard truth. But it’s one I name with love, not judgment.

We have a very simple way to course-correct:

There is now a Welcome Team sign-up sheet in the narthex.

If you remember what it was like to be new—remember how seen and welcomed you felt—I invite you to pay it forward. We need YOU to help greet others, especially those walking through our doors for the first time.

Because real growth doesn’t come from doing more or calling people out first for church tasks; it comes from making space for real relationships.

It comes from choosing connection over comfort.

It comes from moving outward, not just inward.

So if you’re unsure how to start a conversation with someone new, try a few simple prompts like:

• How did you find your way to Community?
• Tell me your story.
• What are you passionate about in your life?
• How can we support your spiritual journey?

At Community, we are cultivating a culture of:

• Invitation instead of assumption.
• Trust instead of transactional volunteering.
• Showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Making room, not just making do.
• Being in the wider community, not just in the building.

So I leave you with these questions:

• Who are we making space for?
• Are we willing to share our power, our pews, and our plans?
• What holds us back from crossing the threshold of comfort and becoming a church deeply embedded in the life of our greater community?

I ask these not to guilt, but to inspire, because I believe we can be that kind of church.

And I believe in you.

With love and hope,
Pastor Karis

New Signature Ministry embraces anti-racism, equity and social justice

Here is the identity statement for our new Signature Group:

Seeking to empower the congregation and community to glorify God by celebrating the diversity of our divinely created neighbors. Honoring affected community leadership, working to dismantle racism, uplift diverse stories, and foster a commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion.

This ministry will include:

• LGBTQIA+ ministry, currently organized by Beth Bussler

• Social justice efforts, currently organized by Pam Pedersen and Marilyn Pough

• Adult English classes, led by Jen Reed and Mari Satterlee

It will also incorporate local support groups and organizations that center and follow the leadership of our Hispanic community. ELIM Church, which currently uses our building, and La Esperanza of Georgetown are two examples.

We will expand to include other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and immigrant communities. We will promote learning events and programs, curate spaces for relationship-building dialogue, and engage in action planning that empowers, heals, and unifies our community to drive positive change.

That’s a lot! It will be a grand adventure that will take the thoughtfulness, listening skills, and hands-on work of many of us. So get ready! It’s going to be so exciting!

Now, for those of you who have been “down in the doldrums” about the way life in our local, state, and national governments has been going, I get it!

Pastor Ed eloquently addressed this during Sunday’s sermon:

“Yes, sit on your pity pot! But then when it’s time to, get off”

Pull yourself together and do the work of the church. Engage for justice, inclusion, speaking truth, and being present. The Lord God above, and the community of saints, will give us the grace to do the work.

So, what are you going to do?

Upcoming activities to consider are listed below.

Have questions? Check in with me.
Pam Pedersen

UPCOMING DATES (Bolded events are hosted by Indivisible of Southern Delaware)

Every Saturday – sign waves in Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach

October 12, 1-6:00 p.m.: Post card writing with Women’s March

October 13, 4:30-6:00 p.m.: ISD Meeting at Lewes Library.  Please sign up here. If you cannot attend in person, here is a link to register for Zoom.

October 14, 1:30 -5:00(?): Protest and hearing in Ocean View.  Sign up on moblize

October 18 NO KINGS DAY!: Big day – lots of ways to participate.  Please sign up for each event you plan to attend – it makes it easier for national to get accurate counts.

Sign Waves:

9-11: Rehoboth:  Northbound Route 1 

9-11: Rehoboth:  Southbound Route 1

10-1:00: Bethany

11-1: Route 113 in Georgetown

Dogs for Democracy:

11-12: Rehoboth Boardwalk – North end

Rally in Georgetown: 1:30-3:30:  Georgetown Circle – we have the entire area closed off to traffic.  We have room for over 4,000 people.  Let’s show the world how beautiful our diversity is!

Mark Your Calendars

November 17th, 4:30-6:30: Member meeting Lewes Library:  part 2 of Project 2025 presentation

December 9th, 5:30-9:  Member meeting and sign making

Donations needed for Blessing of the Animals

Community Lutheran is partnering with Playtime Doggie Day Camp in Frankford to host this year’s Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.

In preparation, we will be collecting the following items for assembly on Sunday, October 19 for sharing with every four-legged friend who attends. Donations can be dropped off at the church.

• dog treats
• cat treats
• pet toys

All are welcome to join us for this joyful celebration of creation and companionship.

DAV seminar to assist veterans and families

A free information seminar for veterans and their families will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Luther Hall.

Mark Dunberger, a national service officer with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), will lead the seminar and answer questions about veterans’ benefits and services. Additional service officers will be on hand to help file initial claims.

This seminar is open to all veterans and their families. DAV membership is not required, and all services are offered at no cost.

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.

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

• 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!

What’s Happening at Community