Volume 11 Week 47
A Forward Look
to
Thanksgiving for So Many Signs of God's Blessings at
As another Church Year ends today, we look forward. The theme in worship is the return of Christ, the day that is set and awaits us, and we consider how we should live in these final days.
How appropriate that we gather in our semi-annual congregational assembly meeting to look to the future and ask, "How shall we, as a Christian congregation, live out our calling as extraordinary servants as we await the return of Christ?"
We know that our ministry will, in some ways, have a different look and feel. Our leadership has struggled prayerfully with some ministry concerns and realities of how we will move forward in 2006. Significant changes are being proposed.
But as God's people always do, we remember God's past blessings, we consider very seriously his urgent commission to make disciples, and confident of his blessing, we go.
As I look forward to the future, I am encouraged because of the many significant signs God has given us of his hand of blessing on our congregation. It makes me ever more confident that as great as our past has been, our best days lie still ahead. In this Thanksgiving week, as my report to the congregation at our assembly time, let me share some of the blessings for which I am thankful that give me such hope for the future!
Worship!
We'll thank our Father in heaven this week for the freedom to gather and worship without constraint by ruling authorities. I'm so pleased to hear over and over again from our worshipping congregation, and especially from those new to our fellowship, how the Spirit of God is alive and at work when we gather in Christ's name around word and sacrament.
God is at work in our worship. Only the Holy Spirit can bring that kind of renewal. Continue to pray for his inspiring presence among us, for the faithful use of his word and the wonderful, powerful sacraments. He is changing us. Be a faithful worshipper, at Thanksgiving, through the Advent and Christmas season, and on into the new year. God blesses those who humbly and sincerely seek him in worship. Resolve this year to bring a friend or two to hear the great news of a Father's love also!
Spiritual Growth!
We are too quick to measure our churches by their breadth instead of by their depth. Both are important. The Church of Jesus Christ is more than a crowd: it's a spiritual community shaped and formed by his love.
In
recent years, the number of people who have made
But I'm more encouraged by the kinds of spiritual growth I am seeing in so many these days. There is a growing passion for studying the word, and for serving in mission and ministry because of the love of Christ that transforms us. The depth of faith in our membership is reflected in the life of prayer, the conversations in Bible classes and ChristCare Groups and the lifestyles of service and sacrifice I see all around. God is at work. I'm so thankful for his work in you and through you.
Six
of our members and a friend are in
Dr.
Kieschnick reports that some congregations damaged by storms may not
survive. Your efforts
to help save Grace in
Schools!
Another year is off to great beginnings in our schools, and although the future seems filled with challenges, God's hand of blessing is upon our schools.
New Members!
A wonderful group of new members will join our Christian family in two weeks. That's not quite right. They've already joined us in worship of God and service to neighbor. We'll simply formalize their association with us on December 4. Once again the group is comprised mostly of young families, with a few of the "young at heart." What a joy it has been to welcome them. Keep reaching out in love to those whom you haven't met who are in our fellowship these days. Thank God with me for their presence with us!
Parish Nurse!
In
a study commissioned by the Lutheran Foundation, the Parish Nurse Ministry at
Teaching!
After completing my study program at the seminary, I've been invited to give back by teaching a small course this winter, two hours each week. We've all benefited from my opportunity for continuing education. I'm glad to serve in this small way to show my thanks to those who've been such a blessing to me!
Anniversary!
"Faith, Hope and Love: Seventy-Five Years of God's Blessing" is the theme that will guide our anniversary year beginning in February. We have so much to be thankful for: the truth of the gospel shared faithful for generations, the witness of the saints before who sacrificed so greatly so we could be blessed, the facilities we so thankful use, and many other things.
During the year, you'll find opportunities to learn from our past history, celebrate the present, anticipate the future, and be a part of an aggressive and faith-filled launch of a new era of ministry through a special thank offering. Watch for more details coming soon!
Plans!
At the turn of a Church year, we remember the past, and anticipate the future. I'm thankful for the leaders of our church who have worked so faithfully and diligently through a difficult time for our congregation, but have never stopped looking forward. their goals and plans for the future, for a Supportive Environment of love and care, for the Spiritual Maturity of all God's servants here, for Leadership that inspires and equips us for mission and for Outreach to all who are still missing from God's family.
God is good. God is at work in us joy he'll have for us to thank him for at this time next year? and through us. And he's waiting for us in the new year. I wonder what great surprises of