Pentecost
July-August, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I sit down to write you this pastoral letter two items jump out at me from our Sunday morning gospels. “Follow me” and “I am sending you out”.
Our focus during this summer months of Pentecost move us from celebrating the life, death and resurrection of our Lord to his mission for the greater part of this church year. We have remembered just how much God has done for us in Jesus Christ - given us the gift of eternal life, and the gift of his holy spirit which drive us out to caring and the mission of Jesus to participate in his kingdom and respond to his love.
Now this is serious business - a serious mission and Jesus commands us he does not invite us, he commands us, “Follow me”. There is no time for farewells or funerals proclaiming the kingdom of God. Now we put salvation to work. God’s work is in our hands. Follow Jesus in lives of faith and commitment.
Now he is sending us out as his disciples - his followers - to do the things of Jesus - to be the hand and feet of Jesus, to cure the sick by healing to all God’s people wherever you have the opportunity. Don’t force yourself and his ministry on people, but be there for them with the fruit of the spirit of Jesus - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness and self control and be guided by his spirit.
Now we put Jesus into action! Remember, follow him for he is sending you out to be part of the mission. God work - Our hands!
Keep in mind if you need fuel for the mission, church is open on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evening during the summer months. This is church and fuel is the mission that is provided in word and sacrament. Be good and faithful followers and good stewards. Please keep up your offerings and support of your parish and our Lord’s church at Our Redeemer. Visit other churches on vacation and bring us back a bulletin and may the peace of the Lord be with you always.
In Christ,
The Rev. Ronald M. Klose
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