Volume 13 Week 30 July 29, 2007
Restoration,
Convention, and Right Here at Home!
Jesus Builds His
Kingdom thru Our Work in
Here are a couple of terrific conversations we ought to have very soon. There’s way too little space in the Pastor’s Page, so I’ll only get it started with a few basic details you ought to know. I’ll start with the best topic.
It was a life-changing week, for the people who received our humble aid, and for those of us privileged to represent you in washing the feet of our sisters and brothers in need.
Every expectation of the trip was fulfilled. First, we did an enormous amount of work. Thirty people working for a week was the equivalent of a half year’s labor, and it made a big difference. We worked in homes that were just beginning their repairs, some that still have months to go, and a few that are within weeks of residents moving back in. We helped churches restore their places of worship, again with much labor yet to be done. The church members are so greatly consumed by the needs of their own families, and so many members have just left the area, that our help was desperately needed. And it was freely given. You should be proud of the way your fellow members worked.
Second, it was a great growth experience for all of us. We talked during the week of the many ways God showed up among us. We heard stories that we will never forget, and saw sights indelibly etched in our memories. And the joy and appreciation shared with us by those we aided was a gift from God, straight from heaven to our hearts. That gift is for you to share also. We’re in this ministry of service together.
Third,
our Christian fellowship was strengthened as members of all ages from Christ’s
body at
We
shared the saving love of Christ in word and deed with many we encountered
along the way, from our bus driver, Jerry, to homeowners, residents and
neighbors. Through the generosity of
donors, including the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis and CCLS students, we
left behind over $7,000 worth of power tools for further use at
Many thanks go to our leader and coordinator, Forrest Moeckel for his tireless effort at coordinating our motley crew. I offer my sincerest thanks to all who participated and worked so hard. You are the living embodiment of the love of Jesus in action.
Convention!
We were
joking around a couple weeks ago about who was doing
the Lord’s work last week, those laboring in
I’ve been hearing and reading reports of the convention. I’m not done yet, but what I’ve learned so far is very encouraging. This convention was marked first and foremost by a unity among the people of God in our church body, a unity we have prayed and worked for, a unity that is a gift from God.
That unity was on display in the worship and study of God’s word and in the continual reaffirmation of our biblical doctrine and faithfulness to the timeless truths of the faith we hold. That unity was on display in the affirmation of our leadership in Dr. Jerry Kieschnick’s election on the first ballot and the election of strong, mission-focused leadership in our vice-president’s and board and commission leaders. That unity was on display in the passing of resolutions that offered guidance to our 6,000 plus congregations to be faithful in our teaching, but also vigorous in our pursuit of the mission, to make disciples of all nations.
Christians are always concerned with two aspects of our discipleship: faith and life. We are always vigilant about both what we believe and what we do. The resolutions of our convention address both of those aspects. Many deal with matters of our doctrine and teaching, and many deal with how we put that faith into practice.
Once again, this convention turned us back to the historic origins of our belief in the words of God himself as taught by prophets, apostles and our Lord Jesus in the Bible. And in that word we find our purpose as the people of God, gathered into faith communities, our congregations. The mission is to share the love of Christ, first within the church that we might all be strengthened for service, and then as we serve, with those who do not yet know saving faith in Christ.
It’s very encouraging to be a part of a church body that holds to the truth of God’s word and that also has a renewed emphasis on bringing people into the family of God by witnessing His love. The recent convention affirmed both aspects of our faith. We will work hard together in coming days to do the same.
Sunday Schedule!
Overall,
the feedback we’ve been getting on the change in Sunday morning schedule has
been quite positive. A few families have
expressed concern about the later time for the early service, and some have
chosen to visit other area churches with an
The
children’s ministry during the
MSD Request!
The Metropolitan Sewer District is interested in replacing some of the antiquated sewer system in our neighborhood and needs the underground use of some of our property. In the neighborhood, storm and sanitary sewers are combined. The solution to this environmental problem includes solving the water drainage problem in our area.
Drainage inlets would be located along our western property line and would be out of the way of most usage of our property. MSD is willing to pay to work on our property for a time and then to reserve permanent rights for the 25 foot wide strip of land running from the edge of the parking lot to the back property line.
As I announced last weekend, we had considered a congregational assembly meeting right away in August to decide, but we’ve decided to take a little more time to answer some questions that have arisen. We will not meet after services next week as I mentioned, but will call a meeting when we have more answers to share and are closer to making a decision.
Dan Cross and
Craig Biesterfeld, who both have experience with these kinds of matters, will
help us get a full report together and present it to the congregation within a
few weeks time. Dick Adler or I can also
answer any questions you have before that time.
We’ll keep you posted!