From the Pastor's Desk

Editor's Note:  This letter appeared in the February Parish Newsletter.  I have attempted to copy it exactly from the original script.  Apologies for any errors or typos.

Greetings in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as we all attempt to stay warm during these series of cold spells that we have been going through as the winter season progresses.  We are also in the season of Epiphany which has a much warmer message than Mother Nature seems to be giving us.  We are being reminded of many important and joyous things during this church season as we behold the Lamb of God and are called upon to repent.  I hope that we can remember that the Kingdom of God is like no other kingdom that is merely a geographical location.  The Kingdom of God is an action that is as linear as our baptism and is timeless.  We can see this Kingdom of God as Lutherans as we let our actions reflect and speak for us as we care for each other and our neighbors.  We are bound in love in our relationships with others.  We, as Christians, recognize and respect our neighbors' convictions even though we may not agree with or accept those convictions as being true.

I am truly enjoying the people that I visit in the nursing home and care facilities and I plan to expand the list to people that have moved to town and can't always come to service on Sunday.  I will call to arrange a time to do this.  If anyone wants communion during these visits we can certainly offer that as well.  If anyone knows of someone who would like to be on the list please let me know.

We have survived both annual meetings with ease as everyone attending seems to realize that we are all in this work together and share the same goals.  I would like to see more interaction between the congregations and hope that this would be something we could brainstorm and discuss at council meetings.  It seems the major topic at the moment is the skyrocketing price of propane which is a major concern for the churches as well as the members.

I think that it would be wonderful to see more enthusiasm during our services as we celebrate through the liturgy, prayers and hymns.  This is what Billy Graham had to say on this topic:  "People go to a football game today to shout their heads off, or go to a circus and cheer act after act.  They become enthusiastic about everything conceivable, but when it comes to spiritual matters they think we are supposed to become somber and wear black, and never have a good time or enjoy a religious event."  Let us see if we can approach our worship celebration with more joy, enthusiasm, and thankfulness to our God who by grace---cares for us---protects us---and loves us.

Pastor Mike