Pastor’s Corner
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…teaching them…I am with you always.” (Mt. 28.19-20)
We’re all familiar with what’s usually called “The Great Commission” of Jesus. We might also call it “the church’s mission statement” for all Christians throughout the world. These famous words have been part of my summer since I have “baptized,” “taught” and declared the presence of Christ with us. None of us can “make disciples” without the miracle of faith provided by the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of those who hear the Gospel message about Jesus. But all of us are engaged in the kinds of activities which plow the ground so the miracle of faith might occur in our midst.
First Lutheran’s Mission Statement reads, “Serving Christ through worship, learning and caring.” These seven words have taken life this summer through a variety of ways, and we will celebrate some of those ways on September 11th.
1) Our Sunday School students and their teachers will gather for Rally Sunday. Fresh teaching material will be used, and a children’s choir led by Liz Tweeten will begin. New teachers and students have already made their commitment to come together around God’s Word. Sunday School is also for adults! See the schedule below.
2) Our three-year “Building First in Faith” capital campaign conclusion will be celebrated as we rejoice in the $332,000 which we have received. What began as a campaign to repair the roof has concluded with a four-way tithe to agencies outside our congregation. The success of the campaign has also allowed us to replace the Fireside Room’s windows, remove asbestos in the Sunday School rooms and hallways, and do exterior painting and other improvements. The remaining $30,000 will soon be allocated or held for future use according to the original goals of the campaign. Thanks be to God for your continued generosity!
Sunday learning for adults will look like this:
1) Learn about Islam and The Koran as our nation commemorates September 11, 2001. Remaining sessions will be held at 9:15 a.m. on August 28th & Sept 11th.
2) Learn about the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible on Sept 18th at 9:15 a.m.
3) Learn about Financial Stewardship with the “First Gifts” DVD on Sept 25th at 9:15 a.m.
4) “How Lutherans Read the Bible” will begin Oct 2nd. A text as well as a DVD will assist us in understanding how Lutherans wrestle with God’s Word in order that faith will be born and nurtured.
5) The lively Thursday Bible Study group will address Paul’s Letter to the Romans. We’ll begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sept 8th with the Stewardship DVD and move on into Romans on Sept 15th.
One aspect of our “Caring” ministry is the Phoenix Housing Program. Our next hosting week is Sept 3-10. Contact Carla Hall (651.2414) for a way to be involved.
As you might be able to guess, there is no vacation period in the church. That’s because we are always called to respond to “The Great Commission” and the mission statement of First Lutheran congregation. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Philip Nesvig