From the Pastor: July/August 2010

From the Pastor

July/August 2010

 

Dear Saints in Christ Jesus,

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in my every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5)

 It’s a little hard to believe that on July 22 I will be celebrating the 9th anniversary of my ordination and installation as Pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.  In many ways, it seems just like yesterday that Mica and I arrived fresh out of the seminary, a true rookie in the ministry.  But we’ve been through a lot together in the past nine years.  What I want to focus on in this letter is a couple of the things from the past year that I am particularly thankful for and so proud of. 

  • The Food Shelf Ministry–This congregation is so awesome in its support of this mission-outreach.  You are making such a difference in the lives of the clients, both physically as you meet important needs and spiritually as you enable them to hear about Jesus.  Thank you to everyone who gives so selflessly of their money and time each month to make this a HUGE success. 
  • Volunteers—From Vacation Bible School workers to Sunday School teachers; from lawn mowers to floor washers.  From setting up tables and chairs and taking them down.   What awesome workers you are for the Lord and His Church here!
  • Faithfulness to Word and Sacrament—I am so thankful to the Lord that He has enabled this congregation to remain faithful in using the Word and Sacraments.  Participation in worship and Bible class and the overall attitude of the congregation in desiring to grow in faith and love toward our community is a blessing from the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 10:17 says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”  I can assure you that I do just that when I meet with the fellow pastors and congregations in our Circuit and District.  I boast in the Lord who began these goods works in you, who will bring them to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I am so wonderfully proud of this people of God and I commend you and thank God for you and your faith and lives of service to HIM. 

Know that I truly mean it when I say, using St. Paul’s words in Philippians 1:7, “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace.” 

With all my love in Christ,

Pastor Coons