Hello church family!

A song that I feel like I’ve known my whole life is “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” by Peter Scholtes and it’s a favorite of mine. The tune is catchy and repetitive and the lyrics are timeless. 

At the beginning of June, our mission team of 14 youth and 5 adults served together in Johnstown, Pennsylvania under the guidance of Hosanna Industries and the 1960s hymn seems like a perfect reflection for that week. 

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;

And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.

Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,

yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;

And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.

We will work with each other, we will work side by side; We will work with each other, we will work side by side;

And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride.

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come; And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.

And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.

On June 23rd during worship, some of our youth and I shared about our experiences on the mission trip. If you missed it, you can go back and watch it on the church’s YouTube channel. One thing we spoke about was a social media post that Hosanna Industries shared about our group. 

Here’s what they said:

“What a truly beautiful week working alongside Lakewood Congregational Church, repairing homes in Johnstown.  These KIDS were outstanding, in so many ways. They started the week strong by putting Hosanna ahead of schedule, and by day two we were nearly finished putting up siding on two local needy homes! It is not always easy getting up early, working in the sun all day and pushing yourself physically and mentally, but these kids DID IT, and we are thankful that they chose to take time out of their summer break to give back to others. Shout out to their adult chaperones who not only orchestrated this mission trip with Hosanna, but who always stepped up to guide the kids and to motivate them when they felt like their tanks were running low. Thank you for teaching them about a life of service, and in whatever capacity they choose to give to others, we are thankful that you are helping them define their giving spirit.”

It was an honor for me to lead our mission team and witness the body of Christ walking hand in hand and working side by side to share God’s love. Thank you, church family, for supporting this important ministry of our church.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Much love and many blessings,
Rachel Burns